PALLEKELE: Nepal are looking forward to the “big opportunity” of facing cricketing powerhouse India in the Asia Cup, skipper Rohit Paudel said on Sunday, adding that his players would be looking to interact with their idols.

Asia Cup debutants Nepal will play India in the final Group ‘A’ match in Pallekele on Monday to decide the second team to make it to the Super Four stage of the 50-over tournament, a precursor to the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Nepal suffered a heavy loss to Pakistan in the tournament opener.

They now face another stern test against seven-time Asia Cup winners India, whose opening match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain after the first innings.

Rain looms large over the Nepal-India contest as well, with the winner joining Pakistan in the next stage. In case the points are sha­red, India will move ahead.

“We all are very excited, especially playing against India. It is a big opportunity for all of us to represent our country at the biggest stage,” Paudel, a top-order batsman, told reporters.

Meanwhile, India’s fro­nt­line fast bowler Jasprit Bu­m­rah on Sunday flew back home due to personal reasons and will miss the match against Nepal.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2023