The Nepali women’s cricket team is traveling to Uganda for the Women’s Day Cup-2025 T20I series from March 8 to 16, aiming to recover from recent losses against higher-ranked teams. Coach Manoj Katwal expresses confidence in the team’s preparedness and strategy. The inclusion of a new strength and conditioning coach is also expected to enhance player performance. Nepal will face Namibia first, alongside Uganda and Hong Kong in this quadrangular series.
The Nepali women’s cricket team is en route to Uganda to participate in the Women’s Day Cup-2025, a T20I series conducted from March 8 to 16, featuring teams from Uganda, Hong Kong, and Namibia. Following a challenging experience in January-February, wherein Nepal faced two ODI-status teams—the Netherlands and Thailand—and lost all six matches, the team aims to turn their fortunes around in Uganda.
During the team’s farewell at the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) office, Coach Manoj Katwal expressed optimism, stating, “The trip to Uganda will be to win.” He leads a 14-member squad that includes improvements from previous training sessions held in a closed camp.
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka acknowledged the rising enthusiasm for women’s cricket and encouraged the team, stating, “Your results matter, but do not get pressured. We believe in you, you have been doing well.”
A tight training schedule leading up to the series provided opportunities for players to refine their skills. Katwal confirmed that their recent training has fostered considerable improvement despite earlier losses. He sees the matches in Uganda as a more manageable challenge than earlier encounters.
Skipper Indu Barma expressed confidence in winning the series, emphasizing their preparation by analyzing the local conditions in Uganda. Both Katwal and Barma noted the benefits of having Monika as a new strength and conditioning coach to enhance player fitness, aiming to improve overall performance and reduce run-outs.
Nepal will face Namibia first and has a familiarity with Uganda and Hong Kong, although it will be their inaugural clash against Namibia. Their prior encounters with Uganda showcased their growth, as Uganda emerged stronger since their last contest in 2022, winning notable matches including their 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier.
As the Nepali team prepares for the competition, it retains essential players who competed in their earlier matchups against Uganda. Coach Katwal believes in the squad’s blend of experience and youth and remains cautious of their opponents, aiming for a balanced competition.
The Nepali women’s cricket team is focusing on securing victory in the upcoming T20I series in Uganda after experiencing a difficult previous series. With a refined roster, dedicated training, and strategic preparations, they aim to break their losing streak. The insights and experiences from earlier encounters with Uganda and other teams will further inform their approach as they seek to demonstrate their competitive spirit and improve their standing in international women’s cricket.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
