Why is Nepal Cricket Team known as 'Cardiac Kids'?

After two losses in their first two games, Nepal registered their first win of the U-19 World Cup 2024 as they beat Afghanistan in a thrilling fixture during Match 19 of the tournament on Friday, January 26 at Buffalo Park, East London. Chasing a target of 146, Nepal brought the game balanced on a knife’s edge as they lost their ninth wicket with two runs required for a win. However, Subash Bhandari got his team over the line with a boundary on the fourth delivery of the 45^th over helping Nepal win by one wicket.

As a result, Nepal pulled off another one of their thrilling wins which they’ve now got accustomed to both at the senior and junior levels of cricket. Hence, they’re famously called ‘Cardiac Kids’, a term used to define sports team that consistently finds themselves in precarious situations.

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It further resonates with their ability to win against the odds and ‘never say die’ attitude which helps them register one thrilling win after the other keeping their fans on the edge of their seats. The term “Cardiac” represents the plethora of emotions experienced by fans during these intense matches.

According to their official website, “Cardiac Kids Nepal” represents the Nepal Cricket Team and their habit of providing nail-biting moments and dramatic comebacks. 

Captain Dev Khanal starred with the bat for Nepal U19

Coming back to the Nepal vs Afghanistan U19 fixture, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan were reduced to 43/6 after 11.3 overs. Crucial knocks from Naseer Khan Maroofkhil (31 off 83), Allah Ghazanfar (37 off 21) and Faridoon Dawoodzai (29 off 65) took their team to 145. Aakash Chand starred with the ball for Nepal picking 5/34 in eight overs.

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In reply, Nepal were reduced to 24/3 after 8.1 overs before captain Dev Khanal stabilized the innings with his half-century (58 off 89). Dipak Bohara (27 off 42)  also made a valuable contribution alongside him as he left his side just six runs away from a win with two wickets in hand. Subash Bhandari did the finishing job and helped his side register their first win of the tournament.