Nepal on Tuesday announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier with emerging national team star Rohit Kumar Paudel set to lead the team for the crucial tournament in Malaysia beginning from April 12.

The Asia Qualifier sends only the champions into the 2020 U-19 World Cup in South Africa. Nepal will compete alongside Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates in the round robin league tournament from where only the table toppers will make it through to

age group cricket’s global showpiece.

Nepal had competed in the 2016 U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh but missed out last year following twin losses against Afghanistan in the qualifying tournament. Nepal will be eyeing a place in their eighth U-19 World Cup having previously played in the 2000 (Sri Lanka), 2002 (New Zealand), 2004 (Bangladesh), 2006 (Sri Lanka), 2008 (Malaysia), 2012 (Australia) and 2016 (Bangladesh) editions.

The 14-member squad was finalised following Nepali team’s return from its recent preparation tour of India where they played six practice matches against Andhra Pradesh U-19 team. The squad includes five names that have already featured in the senior national team. Apart from Rohit, its Sundeep Jora, Bhim Sharki, Aasif Sheikh and Pawan Sarraf who have already made into the senior squad.

Sharki is the only player who is yet to make a national team debut although he was named in the squad that lifted a maiden One Day International Series triumph which came against the UAE on January 28. Other members in the team included Hari Bahadur Chauhan, Kamal Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Pratis GC, Rashid Khan, Rit Gautam, Sagar Dhakal and Surya Tamang.

Aakash Chand, Lokesh Bahadur Bam, Ravi Kumar Sah and Sher Malla have been kept reserves. Nepali team will be coached by former national team skipper Binod Das. Nepal will leave for Malaysia on April 6 where they will undergo practice sessions.

Nepal will begin their tournament campaign with the match against Singapore on the opening day before taking on the UAE on April 13. Their third match is against Malaysia on April 15 and fourth against Oman on April 16. The tournament campaign will wrap up against Kuwait on April 18.