Kathmandu, February 11:

Its now or never. As the Asian Cricket Council have already scrapped the ACC U-17 Elite Cup, the hosts have a wonderful opportunity to get hold of the championship on their home turf when they take on their old foe Malaysia in final here at the Tribhuvan University Stadium here on Thursday.

Nepal are just a win away to claim the only ACC trophy that have been eluding them so far. The young guns have won the ACC U-19 tournament four times (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007) and U-15 championship twice (2005, 2006) but are yet to win the U-17 trophy.

It was difficult for the Nepalis to clinch the trophy in the first three editions due to the inclusion

of the Asian Test-paying nations, they were unlucky in fourth edition (2005, Malaysia) which was played only between the non-Test playing nations. They made it to the semi-finals but the event was cancelled following a haze erupted from the forest fire.

Although both Nepal and Malaysia topped their respective groups with three wins in as many matches, the hosts’ batting was exposed during their league match against Hong Kong and semi-final against the UAE. On both the occasions, it was the bowlers who won them the matches. Rochak Bhatta save them against Hong Kong with 4-4 while Pradeep starred guided the hosts to the semi-finals with a haul of five wickets (5-29).

“We need to improve our batting,” said Nepal’s Sri Lankan coach Roy Luke Dias. “Our players have the potential to score big totals but they need to have a bit of patience,” said Dias, rating Malaysia as a tough opponent. Dias also indicated he might reshuffle the batting order. Nepali batsmen have got the starts but were unable to convert them into big scores. Nischal Singh Chaudhary, Kriten Gurung and skipper Prithu Baskota all have failed to cross the 38-run mark.

Skipper Prithu expressed confidence of beating the Malaysian but accepted the need to improve their batting. “Whatever the circumstances we are determined to stay for full 40 overs,” added Prithu.

On the contrary, Malaysia’ Zubair Asyraf and Ahmed Zahid Adnan have been consistent with their bat. The two batsmen feature in the top five of the highest runs scorers’ lists. The Malaysian bowlers have also been brilliant throughout the event. Kamarul Anvar Azhar have been their best bowlers taking 13 wickets so far including a five wicket haul.

“We have a balanced team,” said Malaysia coach Mohammad Haris Baker. Baker, however, said that the hosts were equally a good side. “Team who performs well tomorrow will win the trophy,” added the Malaysian coach.