Nepalese cricket is gaining momentum, with talented players like Pratish Gharti Chhetri pushing for greater recognition on the international stage. Despite Nepal’s impressive performance at events like the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, players like Pratish believe that the key to the nation’s growth in cricket lies in more regular encounters with the world’s cricketing giants.
Pratish Gharti Chhetri: A Star in the Making
Pratish Gharti Chhetri, a young left-arm medium pacer, has quickly made a name for himself with his consistent bowling performance. His recent feats at the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes have highlighted his potential to become a key figure in Nepal’s cricket journey.
Pratish bowled exceptionally well in Nepal’s games against top teams like England and Australia, taking three wickets in each game and managing to claim the prized wicket of Australian captain Dan Christian. His efforts were especially remarkable given that the tournament format typically favors batsmen.
Despite these challenges, Pratish maintained an impressive economy rate and used smart variations to keep batsmen on their toes. His control over the game was a testament to his skill, strategy, and determination to succeed even in an unfavorable format.
Nepal’s Milestone Wins Against Cricket Powerhouses
Nepal’s success at the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes included historic victories over England and Australia, two giants in the cricket world. These wins were monumental for Nepal, showcasing the potential of associate cricket nations and boosting the confidence of players like Pratish and his teammates.
Pratish reflected on how playing against elite teams helped him refine his game. Despite some balls going for boundaries, he learned valuable lessons in adaptability and composure. His experience in Hong Kong has equipped him with insights that will enhance his performance in future matches.
Nepal’s Future in Global Cricket
Nepal’s national cricket team has risen to new heights, reaching T20 World Cups in 2014 and 2024. However, the team often faces stiff competition in global tournaments with limited exposure to higher-ranked teams, which impacts its progress on the world stage.
Currently ranked 17th in both one-day and T20 cricket, Nepal has few opportunities to play against Test-playing nations outside of global tournaments. These limited chances mean that each game against a Test nation is crucial for experience but also carries the risk of quick elimination.
Pratish’s Perspective on Expanding Tournament Participation
Pratish advocates for more regular matches with Test countries, believing that frequent competition against high-level teams is essential for Nepal to grow as a cricketing nation. According to him, Nepal should aim to participate in three to four international tournaments each year.
“It is really tough to be a bowler here: the wickets are flat, the boundaries are about 35-to-40 metres long and you have only four fielders,” Pratish told the Post.
“This was Nepal’s first time in the Sixes, it was exciting and provided a great learning curve for us. I was out of my comfort zone and even some of my good balls were going for four.
“The whole experience is going to help me with my planning when I bowl, and normal cricket is going to feel easier.”
Regular games against top-tier teams would allow Nepal to build skills, enhance their strategies, and establish a solid foundation in international cricket. As Pratish noted, consistent exposure to strong teams can accelerate Nepal’s journey toward becoming a prominent force in global cricket.
“As an associate nation, it is valuable to play against Test teams and it felt really good to beat some of the best in the world,” he said. “We came here focusing on ourselves, not our opponents, which helped us stay calm at key moments.
“You learn so quickly playing against Test sides and if we can regularly compete with them, we will grow as a cricketing nation. It would establish the pathway for us to become an established international team.
“It is rare that we get the chance to play these teams, though, and when we do it is often in a [global] competition – which means if we lose, we are straight out.
“To compete at that level we need to be having three or four tournaments every year [involving Test countries].”
Cricket has a massive fan following in Nepal, with home games often selling out and fans traveling internationally to support the team. The fanbase’s enthusiasm and dedication are evident, as they are quick to celebrate victories and can be highly vocal during defeats.
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