KATHMANDU: Nepal, who stunned New Zealand in their opening fixture of their group in the U-19 World Cup at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah, Bangladesh on Thursday, will take on Ireland in their next group game on Saturday.

Nepal, who beat New Zealand in the thrilling group D encounter, will fancy defeating Ireland after the moral-boasting triumph over the Kiwis and book their place in the next stage of the competition.

Kiwis have been beaten twice by the Himalayan nation in the U-19 age group, the previous being the Plate Championship final held in New Zealand back in 2006.

With the Thursday result, Nepal have added New Zealand in their list of test playing nation scalps, other being England, Pakistan, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The victory over the Irish on Saturday will take them much closer to the quarterfinals.

According to the team coach Jagat Tamata, “The boys have been working really hard; they looked relaxed and pumped up to take on Ireland on their next encounter.”  He said Nepal would not take Ireland lightly and they would approach the game one at a time.

Currently, India lead the group D with a better run rate at +1.58 against Nepal’s +0.64. Ireland currently sits in the bottom of the group.

Nepal will head to Mirpur for their final group showdown with India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadiumon on February 1.

Nepal are in Group D along with India, Ireland and New Zealand.