Kathmandu: Nepal U-16 cricket team captain Bipin Sharma has expressed confidence that his side will retain ACC Men’s U-16 East Zone Cup to take place in Bangi, Malaysia from June 22 to July 5.

Speaking after the team’s farewell on Friday, Bipin said that the main goal was to retain the title that Nepal won in the previous edition in 2023. 

“We’re heading into the tournament with a balanced and confident team,” said Bipin. “We have strength in all departments — batting, bowling, and fielding. Our players are in great form as we were active in different domestic tournaments over the past month.”

He said that there was good chemistry between the players and inclusion of two left-arm spinners and a pace bowler has made the team strong. Despite shouldering the captain’s responsibility for the first time, Bipin views it as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Altogether 10 teams will compete in this 50-over tournament. In Group ‘A’, Nepal will compete against Singapore, Indonesia, Bhutan and Japan. Group ‘B’ includes Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Maldives and Myanmar. 

Labelling Malaysia and Hong Kong as tough sides in Group ‘B’, Bipin believes that Nepal have all the qualities to overcome any challenge.

Head coach Dipendra Bahadur Chand expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to bring home the trophy again. “Though we had limited time for centralised training, the players have been actively involved in national and district-level competitions which has helped to maintain fitness and form,” said Chand. “This is a well-balanced side, and we are determined to lift the title.”

Nepal will kick off their campaign against Singapore on June 22 followed by matches against Japan on June 24, Indonesia on June 29 and Bhutan on July 1. The final is scheduled for July 5. The top two teams of each group will progress into semifinals. 

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) officials including treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka and Spokesperson Chhumbi Lama among other bade farewell to the team wishing for their success. 

Nepal clinched the previous edition of the tournament in 2023 defeating Malaysia in the final. 

Nepal U-16 Squad 

Bipin Prasad Sharma (captain), Shuryansu Koirala (vice-captain), Raunak Srivastav,  Abhay Yadav, Prasiddha Jaisi, Joy Thapa, Sachin Bhatt, Sugam Budhathoki, Shivansh Bajgain (wicketkeeper), Suyog Bhattarai, Sushil Bahadur Rawal, Subham Khanal, Parimarjan Yadav (wicketkeeper), Roshan Sahi