Home crowd helped us to win: Poudel

KATHMANDU: Nepali national cricket team captain Rohit Poudel has said his side could comfortably win the ICC World Cricket League-2 tri-series against Scotland and Namibia as they are used to the pitch at the TU International Cricket Stadium.

Talking to the media after the series clean sweep, Poudel said the home crowd helped the team to win.

Poudel and fast bowler Karan KC added 75 runs for the ninth wicket to defeat Scotland by two wickets in the last match of the tri-series on Tuesday. Poudel scored an unbeaten 95 runs facing 101 balls, while KC remained not out at 31 runs from 37 balls.

The middle-order batsman said he was relieved after the series win. He said the team hopes to continue its form in the upcoming tri-series against UAE and Papua New Guinea in Dubai.

Nepal’s batting, which used to be the home side’s weak point in previous matches, showed a remarkable improvement in this series after the appointment of Monty Desai as the head coach. Desai had previously served as the batting consultant for the national side.

Desai said the team could enjoy success as all the players played their part well. He also said the home support of the crowd also helped the team.

“The performance of our players has proved that Nepali players too are capable enough to play competitive matches,” he added.