Even when Nepal was preparing for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2008, the word ‘pressure’ was on the air. Answers from coach and captain always reminded that they are looking for at least a win against a Test nation to keep up the morale, and image, of the team.

Can Nepal repeat it again? The associate world knows if it’s going to happen this year, Nepal is more likely to be on the winning side than any other associate nation. The preliminary round will see Nepal meeting Sri Lanka and Australia, so can either one of them be left stunned?

Nepal had played both of them once in the World Cup and lost. In 2000, Nepal met Sri Lanka is the Super League and lost by nine wickets after being bowled out for 89. In 2004, Nepal played Australia in the Plate League and lost by six wickets after scoring 154/9 with current captain Paras Khadka topscoring – 33.

Can we expect something different? How about defeating the home team of the coach who had played an influential role in making of Nepali youngsters? “That will be interesting,” coach Roy Dias chuckled and replied. “That will be really interesting.”

And, for him probably for his knowledge of his home team, Sri Lanka is more defeatable than Australia, but of course that’s not as easy. Cricket is a funny game. And, there is every chance that Nepal could return without a win but that’s least likely.

The two warm-up matches reflected a few things. Nepal won the toss and batted first on both occasions, something that we are more likely to see. Nepal believes more in ‘winning by bowling’. Batting seemed improved with both times the team crossing 200 (in 25 World Cup matches, only five scores were beyond 200) and staying 50 overs.

Paras showed that he could lead from the front – both with bat and bowl. Gyanendra Malla proved he is an experienced campaigner. Bowling and fielding, usually up to the standard always, seemed lacking the cutting edge but that’s the area, believe me, Nepal will improve in coming matches.

The set is ready. The players are ready, and there look no shortcomings to stop us from expecting yet another killing performance for the youngsters.

Nepal’s Giant Killings
2000, Sri Lanka

• beat Kenya by 14 runs to enter Super League

2002, New Zealand

• beat Pakistan by 30 runs in first round
• beat Bangladesh by 23 runs in the plate semifinal

2004, Bangladesh

• beat South Africa by 1 wicket in first round

2006, Sri Lanka

• beat South Africa by 2 runs in plate semifinal
• beat New Zealand by 1 wicket in plate final