The cricketers of Nepal have come into the limelight, especially for their commendable proficiency against fast bowling. Today’s Asia Cup 2023 match against India showcased this skill remarkably. Batsmen like Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh manoeuvred the Indian fast bowlers with ease, answering short balls and full deliveries with flair. But why are Nepali batsmen so effective against fast bowling? The answer lies in a combination of environmental factors and cricketing infrastructure.
Firstly, Nepal’s unique geography offers a key advantage. Most of the country’s cricketing grounds are situated at high altitudes. Consequently, the air is thinner, causing the ball to travel faster through the atmosphere. Nepali batsmen, therefore, get accustomed to high-velocity deliveries from an early age. Moreover, these conditions allow the ball to carry more, providing valuable experience against bouncers and short-pitched deliveries.
Secondly, fast bowlers in Nepal use the high-altitude grounds to generate additional bounce. Thus, facing their own domestic bowlers preconditions Nepali batsmen to handle speed and bounce effectively. This was vividly evident against India’s leading fast bowlers like Shami, Siraj, Shardul, and Hardik Pandya. The Nepali batsmen showed remarkable confidence in executing horizontal bat shots, cutting and pulling the ball with precision.
Opinion: Why Nepal Batsmen Can Play Fast Bowling Effectively
Additionally, Nepal’s cricketing infrastructure has improved significantly over the years. Increasing investment in quality training facilities has borne fruit. The net sessions often simulate conditions that batsmen would face against fast bowlers in international circuits. This preparation significantly boosts their performance during high-stakes matches.
Furthermore, the country’s emerging cricket culture encourages learning and adaptation. Young Nepali cricketers idolize global batting legends who have been masters against fast bowling. Hence, they grow up aspiring to emulate their heroes, focusing on technique as much as aggression.
Nepal’s batsmen owe their adeptness against fast bowling to a mixture of environmental advantages and improved training facilities. The experience gained on high-altitude grounds exposes them to the nuances of fast bowling, such as pace and bounce. Today’s Asia Cup performance against India underscores this ability, promising a bright future for Nepali cricket in facing fast bowlers on the world stage.
