Nepal’s aim to get the first international men’s cricket title under a Nepali coach failed, just by a whisker. And again the nemesis was Afghanistan. Having worked under the shadows of former Sri Lankan International cricketer Roy Dias, Jagat Tamata’s wishes to do that will have to wait for some time now.
Following the loss, most media reported on the lines that Nepal´s dream of lifting the title of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup cricket was shattered as they were handed a 61-run defeat by arch rivals Afghanistan.
Yes, we were defeated when the cup looked like almost in our hand. Yes, we dreamt of the fifth title, which did not happen. Yes, we wanted to show our dominance at the youth level in Asian non-Test playing circuit. Yes, once again our team was defeated by Afghanistan in the final. Yes, the victory margin was too much to accept.
But shattered? We were not.
There are definitely more positives than failures in the campaign that the Nepali Colts started this time. This was first major tournament after long stint under Coach Roy Dias. The faith needed to be restored in the Nepali players, a shift in the attitude needed to be shown. We needed the team to do well and show us some signs that could be institutionalized for better cricket in future.
For starters, it was the most successful run under a Nepali coach. There were signs that things could be turning around. If it was a sign of things to come, which looks a definite possibility, Tamata and his U-19 team deserve a pat on the back.
We’ve seen some good cricket played by the young side, during the campaign where the boys were defeated only once. It’s unfortunate that the loss came at the last hurdle, perhaps showing how fearful we are of Afghanistan, when it comes at delivering the knockout punch.
But, the whole campaign stood out for three reasons.
For once, we saw good batting performance by the youngsters. For ages, our teams have been criticized for not being consistent with batting. And this time around, we could see a shift. Faizrul Rahman Khan looks a fine prospect for future, given the century he scored. One may always say that the opposition was Oman, which does not have very strong bowling line-up. But he did not choose his opposition. And he still had to score runs, to get to the century.
One cannot take away anything from a score of 100 plus. And one should always remember, he’s the first person to have scored a ton at internationals in under-19 level, for last 8 years. Last time, Kanishka Chaugain scored a century at this level in 2003. Now that also tells us how rare it has become among our young batsmen to spend time at crease. Criticise him if you may for not scoring in the final, but Faizrul looks destined to be the man we may need in future, if we want run compilers and those who forge partnerships.
His partner in crime, in the match against Oman, Pradeep Airee is another player cricket establishment should protect. How many Nepali players have we seen scoring a 50 and taking five wickets in a match? That too, in the final, when everyone around him was faltering. His hitting prowess a la Yusuf Pathan and Keiron Pollard should keep him in the reckoning for senior side (remember his 40-ball 86, with six fours and five sixes). The best part is, he keeps his nerves when others are not. How else can one be termed the most valuable player of the tournament?
Rahul Viswakarma showed why there is so much of faith in him. Whether it was breaking records with a 8-wicket haul, or becoming the best bowler of the tournament, he showed that he has the fight in him to get to the top. And if the bowlers of the senior national team are not worried about their position in the team, they better start doing that. For the boy has craft, and if he continues, cunningness and guile can be achieved.
Hopefully, the Nepali Colts can continue with the form and attitude they’ve shown this time. And they would do well to remember: A pat on the back is only inches away from kick on the backside.
(Somesh Verma write sports column in The Kathmandu Post.)