The United States of America might not want to remember their last and only tour to the TU International Cricket Ground when they return to the home of Nepali cricket on Thursday after over six years.

Alongside Oman, the USA had travelled to Nepal for the ICC CWC League-2 tri-series during the previous cycle (2019-2023). The Americans had failed to manage a single win in their four fixtures in February 2020.

Oman had defeated the USA by six wickets in the first match and by 92 runs in the other. Nepal had defeated the USA by 35 runs in their first encounter in the tri-series.

During the USA’s last match of the tri-series—against Nepal on February 12, 2020—the visitors were bundled out for the lowest ever ODI total.

Losing the toss and batting first, the USA were dismantled by Sandeep Lamichhane. Lamichhane walked away with a six-wicket haul, while Sushan Bhari picked four, as the USA were all out at 35 runs in 12 overs.

There has only been one other instance where a team was bundled for such a paltry total in ODIs. Zimbabwe were also bundled out at 35 by Sri Lanka on April 25, 2004.

Nepal had chased the low target of 36 runs with 268 balls remaining. There are still some common names—bowlers Nosthush Kenjige and Saurabh Netravalkar, who was then the captain—in the USA squad who were part of the Nepal tour in February 2020.

Nepal’s squad was then captained by Gyanendra Malla and had the likes of Paras Khadka and Subash Khakurel still in action for the national team.

However, the USA, six years apart, are a different team now. They are more aware of the Nepali conditions this time as they have Pubudu Dassanayake as the head coach.

Dassanayake was the one who took Nepal to the maiden T20 World Cup in 2014. As the head coach of Nepal from 2011 to 2015, Dassanayake also led the Rhinos to the titles of World Cricket League Division-4 and Division-3.

Often dubbed one of Nepal’s most successful coaches, Dassanayake coached the USA from 2016 to 2019. He then returned to Nepal as the head coach in December 2021, bringing more hope. Dassanayake resigned in July 2022.

Dassanayake then managed Canada during their stint at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He also led Janakpur Bolts to the inaugural Nepal Premier League title in 2024 and was associated with Biratnagar Kings for the second edition last year.

Meanwhile, Dassanayake could not come to Nepal and join Biratnagar Kings physically due to visa issues. The franchise had informed that Dassanayake was helping the squad virtually.

Dassanayake is back in Nepal currently with the USA team. And he understands Nepali conditions and players’ mentality pretty well.

Thus, before facing the hosts on Saturday, Dassanayake will be aiming to be on a high by defeating Scotland, their closest contender for the first place in the points table, and registering the USA’s first win in TU Ground.

Scotland levelled the points with the USA after defeating Nepal by two runs on Tuesday. The toppers have 36 points each, but the USA are five matches behind.

The USA have 36 points from 18 wins in 24 matches. Scotland have as many points from 15 wins in 29 matches.

“I aim for wins with any teams I am associated with,” Dassanayake told Kantipur during the match between the USA and Nepal ‘A’ at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground last week. “Scotland are on our tail in the points table. We want to win all the matches in Nepal and cement our position at the top.”

The USA and Scotland have played eight ODIs so far. Scotland have won five of them.

As for Nepal, they are struggling in seventh place in the tournament among eight teams with 18 points from 25 matches. Coach Stuart Law and his players are aiming for as many wins as possible in their remaining 11 matches in the League-2 cycle (2024-2027).