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Nepal will face Sri Lanka in Quarter-final 3 of the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition on Tuesday, September 29, at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM local time, or 5:30 AM IST, with the winner progressing to the semi-finals.
Nepal enter the knockout stage with considerable momentum. They defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in their opening Group A fixture before their second match against Japan was abandoned due to rain. The washout meant Nepal finished top of the group and secured a quarter-final meeting with Sri Lanka, who received direct entry into the knockout stage.
The Dipendra Singh Airee-led side has several experienced T20 campaigners, including Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Aasif Sheikh. Nepal also have plenty of momentum from their batting performances in the tournament, with Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam producing outstanding knocks against Japan. Jora smashed an unbeaten 57 off 32 balls, while Bam remained unbeaten on 52 off just 22 deliveries.
Here is the predicted playing XI for Nepal against Sri Lanka:
Aasif Sheikh is expected to continue as Nepal’s wicketkeeper-opener. He made 21 off 15 balls against Afghanistan before scoring another 21 off 15 against Japan. His ability to attack during the powerplay makes him an important component of Nepal’s top order.
Kushal Bhurtel should partner Aasif at the top. Although he made only four against Japan, he played an important role with the ball against Afghanistan, claiming four wickets. His ability to contribute in both departments gives Nepal an additional tactical option.
Rohit Paudel is likely to slot into the No. 3 position. The former Nepal captain provides experience and stability in the middle order and can take responsibility if the openers depart early. His ability to accelerate against spin will also be important against Sri Lanka’s varied attack.
Sundeep Jora has emerged as one of Nepal’s biggest batting threats during the Asian Games. After contributing 16 against Afghanistan, he produced a sensational unbeaten 57 off 32 balls against Japan, striking five fours and three sixes. His aggressive strokeplay makes him a strong candidate to bat at No. 4.
Captain Dipendra Singh Airee should occupy the crucial No. 5 role. He brings experience, power-hitting and off-spin to the side. Although he was dismissed for 11 against Afghanistan, his leadership and ability to influence the game in multiple departments make him central to Nepal’s plans.
Kushal Malla is expected to retain his place as a left-handed middle-order batter and spin option. He has the ability to change the tempo of an innings quickly and can also provide useful overs when required. Nepal will want him to make a greater impact after modest scores in their two matches.
Lokesh Bam could be one of Nepal’s most dangerous players in the knockout stage. He smashed an unbeaten 52 off only 22 balls against Japan, including six sixes, and finished the innings with a remarkable strike rate of 236.36.
Sompal Kami should provide Nepal with experience and balance lower down the order. His ability to contribute with the bat and bowl medium pace gives the captain another option, particularly during the middle and death overs.
Karan KC is likely to spearhead Nepal’s pace attack. He is an experienced T20 bowler who can attack with the new ball and return at the death. His ability to generate breakthroughs will be particularly important against Sri Lanka’s experienced batting group.
Sandeep Lamichhane remains one of Nepal’s biggest bowling weapons. The leg-spinner can create pressure through the middle overs and is capable of breaking partnerships with his variations. Against Sri Lanka’s aggressive middle order, his spell could prove crucial.
Lalit Rajbanshi should complete the bowling attack. He was particularly impressive against Afghanistan, taking three wickets for 25 runs, including the dismissals of Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil and Karim Janat.
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