Tim Wigmore argues that cricket is doing itself a disservice by failing to cover games between emerging nations
This was not just about losing another 50-over international cricket match. With defeat, Nepal would miss out on reaching the World Cup qualifiers. Their future fixtures would be thrown into doubt. So would the contracts that the players received. Their players were not just playing for their own futures; they were playing for Nepal’s cricketing future, too.
It was the same for their opponents Canada, who needed to win to have a chance of reaching their fifth World Cup.
Somehow, the miracle happened. The last pair – No.10 Karan KC, who had scored 12 runs in his eight previous List A innings; and No.11 Sandeep Lamichhane, who has an IPL contract with Delhi Daredevils for his leg-spin but had scored a total of four runs in his List A career – got the equation down to eight from the final over, with Karan belligerent, and Lamichhane dealing only in blocks and singles.
The first four balls of the 50th over were fine yorkers that produced dot balls. Needing eight from two balls, Karan crashed a six over extra cover. Now, Nepal needed two from the last ball to tie, which would be enough to go through. A tie would also be enough for Canada to qualify instead of the UAE.
Esta historia es de la edición February 16,2018 de The Cricket Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 16,2018 de The Cricket Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.