USA vs Nepal 1st T20I Match
Introduction
The United States-Nepal game is a pretty highly anticipated one amongst fans worldwide as both teams want to be taken seriously in the game's shorter format. Both sides could come up with an exciting contest full of high octane moments. The match sets the precedent for the series to come and shed light on the different talents coming through from outside the traditional cricketing nations.
Preview
Teams' Recent Form
Both sides had gone into the series with mixed bags of form. The USA had shown flashes of brilliance in previous games, while Nepal was playing consistently well in the Associate cricket circuit and showing their sharpness both with bat and ball.
Squad Analysis
Team USA, with experience and youth in the right mix, had a well-rounded squad. Power hitters formed part of their lineup and skillful bowlers who could exploit home conditions. Nepal came in with a talented side as their brand of cricket was one full of passion. There would be the spin maestros and aggressive batsmen who on their day could turn the game on its head any moment.
Star Players
For the USA, all eyes would be on Aaron Jones, their captain and one of the top-order batsmen, whose ability to anchor the innings was crucial. Meanwhile, Sandeep Lamichhane, the star leg-spinner from Nepal, was expected to lead their bowling charge by keeping American batsmen in a leash.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Match Location and Pitch Conditions
This game was hosted by Dallas. It is a pretty balanced pitch is, and it has something in it for both batsmen and bowlers. The pace bowlers get some assistance early on, and the spinners come into play as the match wears on.
Weather Forecast for Match Day
Weather Forecast: The forecast was clear skies with a mild breeze, which was excellent for a whole day of cricket. The conditions could be relatively decent to bat early in the match, and as the game progressed towards the latter half, the dew could act as a spoilsport.
Preview of USA Team
Key Players in USA Squad
Apart from Aaron Jones, other power hitters for the USA included Steven Taylor, who had the knack of taking on bowlers right from the word go. As far as bowling is concerned, Ali Khan was expected to spearhead the pace attack with his variations and ability to swing the ball into Nepal's batsmen.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Batting depth was perhaps the USA's biggest strength, harbored by the presence of a number of all-rounders who chipped in down the order. The bowling was a touch inconsistent, sometimes found wanting to stem the run flow in the middle overs of a game.
Nepal Team Overview
Key Players in the Nepal Squad
Apart from Lamichhane, who was definitely Nepal's trump card, they also look up to their openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh for a good start. Dipendra Singh Airee brought in all-round capabilities which made him a vital asset for Nepal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Nepalese spin attack, with Lamichhane leading from the front, has been their biggest strength, especially in T20 cricket. Middle-order batting has often been a little fragile and that might just bring in collapses when the pressure sets in.
