India vs Nepal Highlights, Asia Cup 2023: IND into the Super 4 with 10 wicket win, fifties from Gill and Rohit | Cricket News

Asia Cup 2023: Nepal come back from the brink of losing ODI status; to face India on Monday

Playing against Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup definitely looked farfetched in February when Nepal, which had gained ODI status in 2018, were on the verge of losing it. (AP)

Ever since they booked their Asia Cup berth by winning the ACC Premier Cup in front of a full-house, they have been waiting for this fixture against India. “It is no doubt going to be a fanboy moment for a lot of them. They watched India play Pakistan on Saturday and I’ve told them when they take the field on Monday they should feel they belong here and got here by their hard work. They should feel equal and these fanboy moments can happen later on,” Nepal’s head coach Monty Desai told The Indian Express. (READ MORE)

Another start-stop on cards, India set to qualify for Super Four in case of a washout against Nepal

Rain covers are pulled over the pitch as rain stops the Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. (AP | PTI)

With Colombo, the venue for the Super 4 stages, also witnessing heavy rain over the last 72 hours, discussions are underway in the Asian Cricket Council to look at other cities as Plan B. While Dambulla, which is situated in the dry zone, was seen as a safer option, it is understood that floodlight works are underway and hence it has been ruled out of hosting the Super 4. (READ MORE)

India vs Nepal, Asia Cup 2023 tip-off XI

Mohammed Shami (left) during the practice session; Ishan Kishan of India celebrates after scoring fifty. (PTI)

With a month’s time left in the marquee tournament at their home turf, the ongoing continental tournament is expected to give a picture of how India can lineup in the former. As far as Monday’s fixture is concerned, India won’t be tampering too much with their playing XI with a win required against Nepal to qualify for the Super 4 stages. (READ MORE)

Asia Cup 2023: Why Hardik Pandya could be the new MS Dhoni?

Like Dhoni, Pandya also loves hitting big sixes. Like Dhoni could, he can destroy both spinners and pacers with ease. (AP/Reuters)

Apart from keeping his partner Ishan Kishan calm and building a partnership that changed the course of the innings, Pandya was swiftly changing the gears, setting up for a grandstand finish. In Dhoni’s words, he was not only taking the game deeper, but also keeping the calculative risks in play. (READ MORE)

First published on: 04-09-2023 at 13:00 IST