Expert eyes

from: Republica.com

UTTAM KARMACHARYA

Nepal´s decision to field after winning the toss was a wise one. Bahrain´s top order had scored runs in the match against the United States of America and Nepali bowlers had the responsibility of restricting them.

Nepali bowlers performed well. Bahrain came under pressure after they lost the first three wickets. Batsmen could not bat freely and they failed to score runs. Likewise, they could not bat against spin bowling. Nepali spinner took wickets at regular intervals and turned the match in Nepal´s favor.

Paras led the team well. However, I personally feel that he rotated bowlers a bit more than required. Basanta took wickets and he was at his best in his first spell but Paras stopped him after his third over. Probably it was the team´s plan but Basanta should have bowled at least one more over.

Though bowling and captainship impressed me, fielding disappointed me today. I could not notice freshness and proper body language in players during the fielding. Fielding was not on par. They even dropped a few chances and wasted a run-out opportunity.

Bahrain´s bowlers were aged and not fit to challenge Nepal. Their bowling attack was weak. However, our openers could not capitalize the situation while chasing a small total. Mehboob Alam and Dipendra Chaudhary´s pair failed as in earlier two matches.

The coach and the captain should now think about another opening pair for the next two matches. Shakti Gauchan has been giving good batting stance. He could be an opening option.

Paras and Shakti contributed through a winning partnership. As usual, Shakti occupied the crease well and let Paras attack the bowlers. Paras played his natural game of attacking the bowling and batted well. Having such talented players is a plus point for the national team.

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(As told to Nabin Khatiwada)

(Uttam Karmacharya is the first captain of Nepal leading the national team in the 1996 ACC Trophy in Malaysia. Overall, he played four matches scoring 44 runs.)