The Nepali women’s cricket team travels to Uganda for a T20I series from March 8 to 16, after a difficult run against higher-ranked teams. The coach and captain are determined to break the losing streak and secure victories. The team is prepared and confident, with a new strength coach onboard, optimistic about their performance against opponents Uganda, Hong Kong, and Namibia.
The Nepali women’s cricket team is set to compete in a T20I series in Uganda from March 8 to 16, joining teams from Hong Kong and Namibia. This trip follows a challenging series where Nepal faced the Netherlands and Thailand, losing all six matches despite commendable performances. Coach Manoj Katwal expressed a strong intent to break the losing streak, stating, “The trip to Uganda will be to win.”
A farewell ceremony was held at the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) office, where Coach Katwal led a 14-member squad to Uganda for the Women’s Day Cup-2025. During the ceremony, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka emphasized the growing interest in women’s cricket and reassured the team of support despite the recent losses, saying, “Women’s cricket is improving and we will do everything we can.”
For the series preparation, CAN initiated a closed training camp on February 18, eventually finalizing the squad on March 2. Coach Katwal acknowledged the players’ dedication and improvement, despite recent setbacks. He remarked, “We lost the series against Thailand and the Netherlands despite playing good cricket.”
Katwal views the upcoming series as a chance for redemption, noting that Nepal’s opponents in Uganda may present less formidable challenges. Captain Indu Barma also demonstrated confidence in her team’s capabilities, asserting that they have been analyzing conditions and are prepared to secure victories. Additionally, the inclusion of a strength and conditioning coach is anticipated to enhance the team’s fitness and performance.
Historically, Nepal has faced Uganda and Hong Kong, but the matchup with Namibia will be a first in T20 formats. During past encounters, Nepal has struggled against Uganda, although they managed to win the last two fixtures of a five-match series in May 2022. With previous improvements in Uganda’s performance, the Nepali team remains cautious yet optimistic.
Nepal has previously met Hong Kong seven times, winning four. Coach Katwal maintains confidence in his squad, balancing experience with youth, and remarked, “We are confident but we have not underestimated the opponents.” The series in Uganda thus represents an important opportunity to establish a brighter trajectory for the Nepali women’s cricket team.
In conclusion, the Nepali women’s cricket team embarks on a crucial T20I series in Uganda aiming to secure their first victories following a disappointing streak. With a renewed focus on training and fitness, improved competition, and lessons learned from past encounters, both the coach and captain express optimism for positive results. The tournament represents a pivotal moment for the team’s progression in international cricket.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
