MDV vs. NEP Live Score: Maldives are all set to take on Nepal in the Asian Games 2023 Men’s T20I seventh group-stage fixture in Hangzhou. Another team from Maldives which is led by Umar Adam is competing in the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Qualifier in Qatar.
It looks like Maldives has adopted a smart approach by sending their key players to Qatar for the ICC T20 World Cup Regional Qualifier. In the Asian games squad, Azin Rafeeq and Hasan Rasheed looked in great touch in the last match as they chased down 62 runs in just 40 balls. But that performance came in front of Mongolia who had conceded 314 runs in their previous clash. Talking about Nepal, they boast of a strong bowling attack with the likes of Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami, and Karan KC doing their part.
They will test the determination of the Maldives team & we think they will emerge victorious in this Test. On the other hand, Nepal will march into the clash with a full-strength squad. With a full-fledged lineup & inform players they are favorites to win this fixture. The variety in the Maldives’ bowling attack will be crucial as skipper Hussain Sadhin looks to put the mighty Nepal on the backfoot.
MDV vs. NEP: Teams Preview
Maldives Preview:
The Maldives, led by Hussain Sadhin, embarked on their T20 international journey with a mix of enthusiasm and anticipation. Sadhin himself made his T20I debut in this tournament, underlining the nation’s commitment to nurturing cricketing talent.
The Maldives squad featured several debutants, including openers Ismail Ali and Azin Rafiq, as well as wicket-keeper batsman Fareed Shius. In this ensemble of novices, Hassan Rasheed stands as the most experienced player, boasting 18 T20Is under his belt. Rasheed’s role at number 3 is pivotal, as he shoulders the responsibility of anchoring the innings.
Azin Rafeeq displayed promise with the bat in hand, contributing significantly as the team successfully chased down a target against a relatively weaker bowling attack. However, for Maldives to post competitive totals consistently, the likes of Azin Rafeeq and others must step up.
Nazwan Ismail, the only player with more than one T20I appearance in the lineup, faces the challenge of proving his worth after a modest performance so far, accumulating just 5 runs in one innings.
The bowling department, composed entirely of debutants, delivered an impressive performance. Opener Azin Rafeeq, showcasing his all-round prowess, scalped 3 wickets for a mere 10 runs, while Ryan Tholal chipped in with 2 wickets for 7 runs. Keep an eye on Naseer Naail Ismail and Mohamed Miuvan, who are expected to be key bowlers.
While Maldives’ performance has been commendable, the impending clash against Nepal presents a formidable challenge. Their relatively inexperienced squad faces an uphill battle against a confident Nepal side.
Maldives Predicted Playing XI:
- Ismail Ali
- Azin Rafiq
- Hassan Rasheed
- Fareed Shius (wk)
- Naseer Naail Ismail
- Mohamed Miuvan
- Ahmed Hassan
- Rassam Rasheed
- Ahmed Ameel Mauroof
- Farhaan Ahmed
- Ibrahim Rizan
Nepal Preview:
Nepal, fresh off a remarkable world record-setting performance in their opening match against Mongolia, is brimming with confidence. Captain Rohit Paudel and his squad now have an opportunity to make a significant mark in the tournament.
The chance to face an elite side like Maldives excites skipper Rohit Paudel, as this match could potentially lead them to a showdown against one of Asia’s top T20I teams in the quarter-finals. Nepal’s recent encounters with cricket giants like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in the Asia Cup ODIs have prepared them for the challenges ahead.
In their previous match, Nepal’s openers, Kushal Bhurtel, and Aasif Sheikh, scored 19 and 16 runs, respectively, albeit at a strike rate below 100. Despite this, Nepal posted an impressive total exceeding 300 runs, leaving room for disappointment as the openers missed an opportunity to capitalize on a promising start.
Aasif Sheikh, in particular, is poised to make a resounding impact in the upcoming clash against Maldives. His aggressive approach and explosive stroke play could unsettle the opposition’s bowling attack. The middle order, consisting of Kushal Malla, skipper Rohit Paudel, and Dipendra Singh, adds depth to Nepal’s batting lineup.
The pace attack, led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, holds the key to Nepal’s bowling dominance. Adding to their arsenal is the talented 17-year-old pacer Gulshan Jha. Sandeep Lamichhane’s left-arm chinaman bowling could prove to be a potent weapon.
Nepal Predicted Playing XI:
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh (wk)
- Kushal Malla
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Sundeep Jora
- Gulshan Jha
- Sompal Kami
- Abinash Bohara
- Karan KC
- Sandeep Lamichhane
MDV vs. NEP: Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou, the venue for this high-stakes clash, has witnessed an array of contests, ranging from low-scoring nail-biters to high-scoring thrillers. The pitch’s equilibrium provides both batsmen and bowlers with opportunities to shine.
Batsmen with impeccable timing and adaptability can make the most of the shorter boundaries, clearing them with confidence. On the flip side, bowlers will relish the conditions, knowing that they can exploit the pitch to their advantage.
As for the weather, it is expected to be partly cloudy with a maximum temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. While no significant disruptions are anticipated, cricket’s unpredictability often hinges on weather conditions.
MDV vs. NEP: The Winning Prediction
Nepal, with its wealth of experience and consistent performers, enters this clash as the favored side. Their recent form and competitive encounters against stronger opponents have primed them for success.
Maldives, despite their commendable debut performance, faces an uphill battle against Nepal’s formidable lineup and well-rounded squad. With none of their star players in the lineup, Maldives will find it challenging to match Nepal’s prowess.
In the unpredictable world of cricket, anything can happen, but the scales tip in favor of Nepal. As the players step onto the field in Hangzhou, cricket fans can expect a riveting contest, but Nepal is likely to emerge victorious.
Prediction: Nepal to Win
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