Asia Cup 2023: Nepal's strongest predicted playing XI for the tournament

The Asia Cup 2023 is just a few days away and the excitement of cricket supporters can be witnessed everywhere to watch the marquee tournament played among Asian sides. This time, India and Pakistan are the top contenders to win this competition while Afghanistan and Bangladesh could pose a tough challenge to the favourites. Among these sides, Nepal is another team that will mark their debut in the Asian championship.

In the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2023, Nepal played outstanding cricket and became the champions of the tournament to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 to be held from August 31 to September 17, 2023. Nepal are placed in Group A along with India and Pakistan. Although their chances are low to qualify for the next round, their players’ endeavours will be to put up some fight against both the favourites of the competition.  

Let's have a look at Nepal’s best XI for the upcoming continental tournament-

1. Kushal Bhurtel

Kushal Bhurtel might be seen as an opener for Nepal. He has been active in international cricket since 2021 and so far, he has amassed 986 runs in 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with a ton and six fifties. The Asia Cup 2023 will be the best opportunity for him to showcase his batting mettle and help his side be effective.

This year, the right-handed batter is in incredible form as he has scored 544 runs in 19 matches with a century and three fifties. In the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, he slammed his maiden ton (115 off 113) against Namibia and became the recipient of the Player of the Match award.  

Bhurtel’s performance wasn’t up to the mark in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. Playing five matches in the tournament, he could score only 84 runs at a strike rate of 89.36. However, forgetting his failures, he will look to be stunning in the marquee event coming ahead.