AJMAN: Nepal are hoping for the miracles to happen to secure a place in the semi-finals of the ACC Twenty20 Cup.

Nepal face Qatar in the fourth match of the shortest version of the cricket with a hope

that their batsmen click for the first time in the tournament. The batsmen have been a total disappointment so far in the tournament and the team has struggled to score hundred runs.

In contrast, bowlers have been performing exceptionally well. Nepal lie fourth in the standings with two points, behind

Oman, Malaysia and Kuwait. Both Kuwait and Malaysia have

won two matches each, while Oman are almost through to the semi-finals with three victories in as many matches.

For Nepal, the path for

the semi-final is very difficult. First, they will have to win both the remaining matches and

hope that Oman also win

their two matches and Bahrain beat Malaysia. Considering the uncertain nature of the game, a chance of Nepal making it to the last four cannot be ruled out.

Coach Roy Luke Dias agrees that only miracles can save

Nepal. “We are in a must win situation,” said Dias. “To get into the semi-finals, we need a miracle after defeat to Oman,” he added. Asked about the game plan, Dias said he would bring in Paresh Lohani into the squad in place of Sharad Vesawkar.

Paresh was dropped for the last two matches, while Sharad has been struggling with his form. Dias hinted at dropping opener Paresh down the order giving the responsibility of opening the innings to Mehboob Alam and Dipendra Chaudhary once again.

Batsmen’s poor form is the main reason behind Nepal’s dismal performance in the tournament. Nepal scored 112 in their six-wicket loss against Malaysia, while the team struggled to chase 124 against Kuwait before a last-ball six by debutante Binod Bhandari tied the match and Nepal won in bowl out. Against Oman, the Nepali bowlers restricted the opponents to 112 and the batsmen played irresponsible shots to get out for 100 runs.

Basanta Regmi, who complained of the shoulder pain after the match against Oman on Tuesday, is a doubtful starter for Thursday’s match. Decision on the left arm spinner’s inclusion would be finalised after assessing his condition on the match day. Amrit Bhattarai, who has recovered from stomach pain, will replace Bansanta if he is ruled out.

Skipper Paras Khadka has urged his batsmen to raise their standards to secure their place in the team. “We all

are equal here. Those who do not perform will have to stay

out,” said Paras. “We still have two more matches left and we will have to play really well,” added the skipper, who himself is struggling with his form.