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Nepal Team Announced for Asian Games: Kushal Malla Returns; Dipendra Singh Airee to Lead
Nepal has announced its 15-member men's cricket squad for the upcoming Asian Games. Star all-rounder Kushal Malla has returned to the main squad, while the captaincy has been entrusted to Dipendra Singh Airee. Airee, who took over the captaincy from Rohit Paudel following the T20 World Cup, will lead Nepal for the first time in a multi-team tournament featuring ICC Full Member nations.
Kushal Malla Returns After Blistering Form
Kushal Malla, who missed the T20 World Cup earlier this year, has displayed excellent form since his return in April.
- Since his comeback, Malla has scored 130 runs, including a blistering unbeaten knock of 85 against China.
- He is among the select group of five Nepali batsmen to have scored over 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals.
- In addition to his batting, he has also claimed six wickets with his left-arm spin since returning to the side.
- Meanwhile, all-rounder Bashir Ahmed—who was part of the T20 World Cup squad and the series against the UAE—has been left out of this squad.
Team Packed with Experienced Stars
Nepal's squad displays a fantastic balance of experience and youthful energy:
- Spin Department: ODI captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, and young off-spinner Sher Malla (who made his debut against England in the T20 World Cup and took 8 wickets in 4 matches) will spearhead the spin attack.
- Fast Bowling: Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Nandan Yadav will form the core of the pace attack.
- Batting and All-rounders: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, former captain Rohit Paudel, Gulshan Jha, and Aarif Sheikh will bolster the team.
Asian Games Schedule
The men's cricket event at the Asian Games will begin on September 24 in Nisshin, Japan, with the final match scheduled for October 3. Nepal's first match will be against Afghanistan on September 25, followed by a match against hosts Japan on September 26.
Nepal's Full Squad for the Asian Games
Dipendra Singh Airee (Captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla.
