As part of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2, 2023-27, Nepal and Scotland are set to lock horns in Match 39 on October 29, 2024, at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas. Both teams have competed fiercely throughout the series and enter this game eager to improve their standings and secure valuable points.
Match Overview
- Match: Nepal vs Scotland, Match 39
- Date: October 29, 2024
- Time: 09:00 PM IST
- Venue: Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
Team Form and Rankings
In their last encounters, Nepal and Scotland displayed both strengths and areas for improvement. Nepal sits at sixth place on the points table, while Scotland holds fourth after both teams have played eight matches. Nepal is coming off a tight loss to the USA, where they fell short by three wickets. Their captain, Rohit Paudel, emerged as the top performer, gaining 130 fantasy points for his efforts. Scotland, in contrast, comes into this game with momentum, having registered a dominant 10-wicket win against the USA. Brad Currie led the charge with 148 fantasy points, underscoring his excellent form.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Grand Prairie pitch is balanced, offering help for both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score here is around 198 runs, and the forecast predicts cloudy skies with light rain, possibly adding swing for pacers. The conditions will be favorable for both pace and spin, which should keep the contest between bat and ball balanced and engaging.
Key Players to Watch
Nepal
- Rohit Paudel: As Nepal’s top-order batter, Paudel has been instrumental with recent performances, including a 96-run knock. His consistency and leadership will be crucial for Nepal’s success.
- Sandeep Lamichhane: Known for his wicket-taking abilities, Lamichhane has enjoyed success against Scotland, taking 8 wickets in their recent head-to-head encounters. His leg-break googlies will be essential on a pitch offering turn.
- Kushal Bhurtel: An all-rounder with solid batting and leg-spin options, Bhurtel’s adaptability in the middle order and his ability to pick up key wickets make him an asset for Nepal.
Scotland
- Brad Currie: A reliable left-arm pacer, Currie has taken 9 wickets in the last four games. His consistency in taking early breakthroughs could keep Nepal’s batting lineup under pressure.
- George Munsey: With 255 runs in his last five games, Munsey’s aggressive style will be critical for Scotland’s success, especially in the powerplay.
- Brandon McMullen: McMullen brings balance to Scotland with his all-round abilities. His recent performance includes six wickets, and he is also a dependable middle-order batter.
Dream11 Fantasy Picks
- Wicket-Keepers: Anil Sah, Charlie Tear
- Batters: Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel
- All-Rounders: Brandon McMullen, Kushal Malla, Michael Leask
- Bowlers: Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sompal Kami, Mark Watt
- Captain: Kushal Bhurtel
- Vice-Captain: Charlie Tear
Key Battles to Watch
- Sandeep Lamichhane vs George Munsey: This battle will test Munsey’s aggressive batting against Lamichhane’s ability to extract spin. A breakthrough from Lamichhane could tilt the momentum toward Nepal.
- Brad Currie vs Nepal’s Top Order: With the potential for swing in cloudy conditions, Currie’s ability to break partnerships early will be key for Scotland.
- Middle-Order Showdown: Both teams have solid middle-order lineups, and a standout performance could be decisive in this closely matched game.
Prediction
With both teams having shared a fierce rivalry in recent encounters, Match 39 promises to be an exciting game. While Scotland has a slight upper hand with their recent victory, Nepal’s batting depth and spin strength make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a tight contest, with the team that best adapts to the conditions likely to emerge victorious.