World Twenty20 team preview: Nepal

Sporting arguably the biggest fan base among the minnow nations and determined to do more than just represent, Nepal have fought for a decade to get to this level.

<b>Captain:</b> Paras Khadka<br><b>Coach:</b> Pubudu Dassanayake<br><b>WT20 Best:</b> First time entrants

<b>Overview</b><br>Sporting arguably the biggest fan base among the minnow nations and determined to do more than just represent, Nepal have fought for a decade to get to this level. Theirs is not a story of Afghanistani proportions, but the cricket and political crossover is evident – and <a href='http://www.paddypower.com/bet/cricket' target='_blank' class='instorylink'><b>popular cricket betting websites</b></a> are ready to take part in the potential fairytale.

<b>Key Batsman</b><br>Every potentially fragile top order requires a bedrock, and in wicketkeeper-batsman Subash Khakurel Nepal are blessed with a mature, headstrong opener.

<b>Key Bowler</b><br>Captain and new-ball bowler, right-armer Paras Khadka has played the game at a competitive level for more than 10 years. His all-round abilities are near unrivalled in the Nepalese camp.

<b>Likely Benchwarmer</b><br>Deployed as a veritable passenger during Nepal's tournament build-up, the young Rahul Vishwakarma will be hard pressed to get a bat or a bowl – but will value with the experience regardless.

<b>Cricket365's Prediction</b><br>A truly tough ask for such a young cricket nation, but perhaps they will squeeze past Hong Kong. Downing Afghanistan and Bangladesh, though, should prove a bridge to far – as will <a href='http://www.paddypower.com/bet/cricket/icc-world-twenty-20' target='_blank' class='instorylink'><b>500/1 odds of a WT20 victory.</b></a>

<b>They Said:</b> "I think we are here to present Nepal cricket in front of the whole world. It is a great opportunity for us. It is not like we have only qualified for this tournament and worked for three months. We have been playing for 10-12 years with hard work and playing continuous cricket. We are here to compete and play to the best of our ability. If we play to our potential, things should be good for us." – captain <b>Paras Khadka</b>

<b>Squad:</b> Paras Khadka, Pradeep Airee, Prithu Baskota, Binod Bhandari, Naresh Budhaayer, Shakti Gauchan, Sompal Kami, Avinash Karn, Subash Khakurel, Gyanendra Malla, Jitendra Mukhiya, Sagar Pun, Basant Regmi, Sharad Vesawkar, Rahul Vishwakarma.

<b>Fixtures</b><br>16 March: v Hong Kong, Chittagong<br> 18 March: v Bangladesh, Chittagong<br> 20 March: v Afghanistan, Chittagong

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