Rain is once again playing spoilsport in the cricket world, with the recent India-Pakistan ODI getting washed out. Now, the India-Nepal game at the same venue faces a similar threat. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential impact of rain on the India-Nepal clash, highlight key players to watch, and provide Dream11 predictions to help you make your fantasy cricket team.
Rain Factor
Rain has been a recurring theme in recent cricket matches, and it’s not sparing the India-Nepal game either. The match in Pallekele is under threat, with precipitation chances soaring up to 80%. If the rain persists, India will follow Pakistan into the Super Fours from Group A.
Nepal’s Aspirations:
Nepal is eager to test its mettle against India’s star-studded lineup. If the weather clears up, this could be Nepal’s most significant match to date, attracting millions of viewers. However, Nepal has faced tough challenges before, notably against an India A team packed with IPL players in Colombo, where they suffered a drubbing.
Competing with the Best:
Nepal has shown glimpses of potential, particularly when Karan KC and Sompal Kami bowled with precision and when Rohit Paudel executed a direct hit run-out against Pakistan. However, they’ve also fumbled opportunities in the field. Against a nearly full-strength India side, they can’t afford such errors.
Form Guide
Examining recent form for the last 5 ODIs:
India: WLWLL
Nepal: LLWLL.
**In the Spotlight: Kuldeep Yadav and Lalit Rajbanshi:**
Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as India’s premier spinner in ODIs, with 22 wickets in 11 innings this year. He poses a significant threat to Nepal, who may not be accustomed to facing high-quality left-arm wrist spin.
Lalit Rajbanshi, on the other hand, is a left-arm finger spin bowler known for his defensive skills. He has played a pivotal role in Nepal’s recent success, as seen in his performance against Pakistan, where he conceded just 48 runs from ten overs in a high-scoring game.
Team Compositions:
India’s probable lineup includes Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, and a choice between Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna.
Nepal’s likely XI consists of Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Aarif Sheikh, Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Kushal Malla, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Lalit Rajbanshi.
Pitch and Conditions:
The Pallekele pitch has challenged batsmen with its conditions. There might be assistance for seamers on Monday, but the focus will be on the skies, hoping that rain doesn’t disrupt the game once again.
Stats and Trivia:
– This will be Nepal’s first international game against India and only their fifth ODI against a Full-Member nation.
– Kushal Bhurtel is close to becoming the third Nepali player to reach 1000 runs in ODI cricket.
– Virat Kohli is on the verge of reaching 13,000 ODI runs, making him the second Indian and fifth batter overall to achieve this milestone.
Dream11 Predictions:
Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Dipendra Singh Airee
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Sompal Kami
Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
1. Virat Kohli (c), Hardik Pandya (c)
2. Mohammed Siraj (c), Rohit Sharma (vc)
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await India vs. Nepal clash, the looming rain threat adds an element of uncertainty to the proceedings. Will Nepal create history in their first international game against India, or will the weather disrupt their plans?
