Nepal set to make ODI debut against Netherlands

Nepal created history earlier this year by securing the eighth place in the World Cup qualifier held in Zimbabwe. They were awarded the One-Day International status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their achievement. But there was always a question of whom they will play given the packed international schedule of the major cricketing nations. However, it has been now finalised that Nepal will face Netherlands in a two-match ODI series in August.

These will be the first ODIs for the Dutch team as well since 2014 when they had lost their status in 2014 World Cup qualifier. They regained it following their first-place finish in 2015-17 WCL Championship and will now play the debutants in the 50-over format.

Who will host?

According to the dailytimes.co.pk, the two matches will be played on August 1 and 3 at Voorburg CC, just outside the Hague, and the VRA Ground in the Amsterdam suburb of Amstelveen respectively. It will be a great moment in the history of Nepal’s cricket as they will step into the new world after marking an impressive progress over the years.

“It’s going to be a fantastic series for both countries as it will be our first ODI since regaining our status lost in 2014, it will also be Nepal’s first ODI ever. These games also present us with another opportunity to expose our youngsters to top quality cricket and I’m excited to keep watching their development,” Netherlands coach Ryan Campbell said.

However, before the ODI series, both the teams will fly to London to play a T20I at Lord’s on July 29. The fixture is also part of a T20 triple-header in which both the teams will also play a game each against the MCC led by Mahela Jayawardena earlier in the day. As far as Nepal is concerned, negotiations had been held in order to play ODIs against Scotland as well. But the plan got shelved due to the budget reasons.

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