Nepal were favourites in the ICC World Twenty20 Asia Regional Qualifiers in Singapore. A victory there would have secured their berth in the Global Qualifier and opened doors to the Twenty20 World Cup in 2020. Instead, the team lost their opening match against Qatar and despite recovering to beat Malaysia and Kuwait in their next two matches, Nepal were well beaten by hosts Singapore in their ultimate match of the series which required a mandatory win. Nepal had expected to take part in the Twenty20 World Cup finals in 2020 after their first appearance back in 2014.

Nepal’s participation in the recently concluded five-nation series was confirmed by August and was planned as part of preparations for the Global Qualifier. But having missed the Global Qualifier after finishing third in the Twenty20 Asia Regional Qualifiers, Nepal’s participation in the tournament merely became a formality than it was originally intended for. But here too, Nepal’s performance once again dwindled as they finished third after two wins and two defeats.

In both of these two tournaments, one particular department that has come under scrutiny is the batting. Nepal were bowled out for 122 by Qatar and 109 by Singapore in their final Twenty20 Asia Regional Qualifiers match while the department has been plagued with major concerns in other matches as well. One particular result that showed the batting frailties came in their last match of the five-nation series against hosts Oman. Nepal were bowled out for a meagre 64 before suffering a six-wicket defeat.

Former national cricket team player Dipendra Chaudhary believes such results of the team were forthcoming though a lot of people did not predict them. He said the level of cricket in Nepal has certainly risen than in the past but has remained stagnant. “We have remained stuck in the same stage for too long now. Take Oman for an example, it was hard to think that we would lose against Oman. But they have improved their game and defeated us in quite a style,” said Chaudhary. “The strides Oman have made in the past four or so years in cricket can be a lesson for others.”

Chaudhary says the preparation for the Twenty20 Asia Regional Qualifiers could have been better. “We prepared against a weak team as part of our preparations. We should have played against a strong team which would expose our shortcomings and help identify our rooms for improvement. Preparing for a short span of time and playing against a weak team will not help the squad,” said Chaudhary. “That combined with poor batting led to the defeat,” he added.

Chaudhary also believes that the current players are insecure about their place in the national team. “There are a lot of players coming and going. It is good to bring new faces but changing too often destabilises a squad. This has led to the downfall in players’ confidence,” he said.

However, former national team coach Jagat Tamata and current U-19 team head coach Binod Das think not all is doomed for Nepali cricket. Das admits the fact that the players failed to play to their potential but was quick to note that the inclusion of new players would help in building a team for the future. “The tournaments provided an opportunity for the new players. Yes, we did not play well but we should also consider that our opponents were really good and outperformed us,” said Das. He added the current crop of players needed proper nurturing to bring the best out of them. “Our players need more exposure. We should also improve our domestic structure,” he said. “It will take time but we can do better.”

Tamata, the current head coach of the women’s cricket team, also believes that lack of domestic tournament is holding Nepali cricket back. “It was unfortunate that our cricket association was suspended and it has taken a toll on our domestic front. Lack of domestic tournaments will not develop new players,” said Tamata.

Tamata says the poor batting performance in recent tournaments was largely due to the inclusion of new faces who were not able to grasp the opportunity provided to them. “They are young and developing. That is why our batting was poor. But it will improve,” he said. Tamata said the combination of young blood and experienced players in recent tournaments has provided a good platform for the players to make a name for themselves. “It is good to rest more experienced players and start with new ones. It will help the youngsters to become responsible while playing. And understanding your responsibility will help you and your team win matches,” he said.