Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for an electrifying clash as the Nepal national cricket team prepares to face Hong Kong in the ACC Men’s T20I Premier Cup 2024. Scheduled to take place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) on Monday, April 15, the match promises an enthralling display of cricketing talent.

Led by Rohit Paudel, Nepal enters the contest with confidence following a triumphant victory over Qatar in their previous encounter. Riding on Dipendra Singh’s explosive 64 and Aasif Sheikh’s resilient 52, Nepal posted an imposing total of 210/7. Later, their bowling unit, spearheaded by Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulsan Jha, and Dipendra Singh, restricted Qatar to 178/9, securing a convincing win.

On the other side, Hong Kong aims to extend their winning streak after a commanding performance against Qatar. Captain Nizakhat Khan and Babar Hayat’s impressive half-centuries propelled Hong Kong to a formidable total of 201/7. Ehsan Khan’s stellar bowling effort further solidified their victory, restricting Qatar to 175/8.

With both teams showcasing their prowess, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown. As the tournament unfolds, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, vying for the coveted title and a chance to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025.

For cricket enthusiasts in India, the live streaming of the Nepal vs Hong Kong match will be available on the FanCode app and website. Stay tuned for an action-packed encounter that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats!

Last update: Sept 5, 2023 11:00 PM IST

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan in a thrilling match of the tournament by just 2 runs. From Group A, Pakistan and India have qualified, and from Group B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have qualified for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023.

Asia Cup 2023: Super Four Matches schedule, results and venue

Where can I watch Asia Cup 2023 match today?

The Indian cricket team, currently at a preparatory camp in Alur near Bengaluru, took a break on August 27. The camp has been satisfactory, especially for players recovering from injuries like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.

Rahul, returning from a three-month layoff due to a thigh surgery, has begun wicket-keeping duties after speculation about his readiness. Sanju Samson was included as a reserve due to doubts about Rahul’s wicket-keeping ability. Rahul’s progress suggests he may be ready to keep wickets in the upcoming Asia Cup matches. The team leaves for Sri Lanka soon, with their first match against Pakistan on September 2.

Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah and other players from the T20I series in Ireland will join the camp on Monday.

Shreyas Iyer, who experienced back pain and underwent surgery, expressed his happiness about rejoining the team. He detailed his journey of recovery, including hospitalization and rest periods, and emphasized his focus on being in the present and embracing each moment.

Cricket enthusiasts were left in surprise and disappointment as Naveen-ul-Haq, the promising Afghan cricket sensation, found himself excluded from Afghanistan’s 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. This decision has raised questions about the rationale behind sidelining a young talent with a commendable track record.

Naveen-ul-Haq, at the age of 23, has already left his mark on the cricketing world. Having participated in seven One Day Internationals (ODIs), he boasts an impressive record of 14 wickets with an economy rate of 5.78. His versatility extends to different formats, as evident from his performances in various domestic and international leagues. He recently showcased his skills in the Vitality Blast while representing Leicestershire, securing four wickets in five matches.

The Afghan bowler’s proficiency was also on display during IPL 2023, where he claimed 11 wickets in eight matches for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His rich experience spans across prominent tournaments such as the Big Bash League (BBL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Naveen-ul-Haq’s indirect response to his exclusion from Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad has added an intriguing layer to the story. Through a cryptic message on his Instagram account, accompanied by a picture of himself, he expressed his sentiment. The caption, “No matter how well your eyes adjust to darkness, you will never mistake it for light,” while not explicitly linked to the omission, conveys his emotions and disappointment.

The omission has also thwarted the hopes of fans who were eagerly anticipating a showdown between Naveen-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli. The two players engaged in a heated altercation during IPL 2023, igniting a rivalry that fans were looking forward to seeing reignite on the Asia Cup stage. Unfortunately, Naveen’s absence from the squad has dashed these expectations, leaving fans yearning for a battle that may have to wait for another day.

Bangladesh’s cricket landscape is witnessing a seamless transition as several members of the victorious Under-19 World Cup-winning squad of 2020 make their presence felt in the senior national team’s 17-member Asia Cup 2023 squad. The progress of these young talents has delighted Naved Newaz, the coach who guided them to their Under-19 World Cup triumph.

Initially, four players from the triumphant Under-19 squad were named in the Asia Cup lineup, including Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, and uncapped Tanzid Hasan Tamim. This number swelled to five with the inclusion of pace bowling all-rounder Tanzim Hasan Sakib, stepping in for the injured Ebadot Hossain.

Of these rising stars, Shoriful Islam and Tawhid Hridoy have already showcased their potential. Hridoy has made a strong impact at the number four position in both white-ball formats, while Shamim Hossain, who was among the early selections for the T20I side from the World Cup-winning batch, has successfully made a comeback to the national team.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s injury paved the way for uncapped Tanzim Hasan Sakib to demonstrate his prowess. The youngster’s emergence as a potential pace bowling all-rounder adds to Bangladesh’s depth.

Naved Newaz, now serving as an assistant coach in Sri Lanka, expressed his contentment in witnessing his mentees’ growth. He emphasized that while winning the Under-19 World Cup was significant, the challenges of international cricket still lie ahead for these young talents. He praised their progress and optimism in handling the pressures of international cricket.

This emerging generation follows in the footsteps of Bangladesh’s successful Under-19 batch of 2005, which produced players like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim. With their balanced mental approach and the financial support provided by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, these young talents are making a mark not just domestically, but also in the senior national team. Their journey from promising juniors to dependable performers illustrates the positive direction in which Bangladesh cricket is headed.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its formidable 17-member squad for the highly anticipated 2023 Asia Cup, with a spotlight on the return of all-rounder Karim Janat. Set to unfold in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17, the Asia Cup holds immense significance as a precursor to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to commence a mere eighteen days after the Asia Cup final.

At the forefront of Afghanistan’s campaign is Hashmatullah Shahidi, entrusted with the captaincy for the tournament. A key figure in the squad, Karim Janat’s return after a hiatus of six years brings a fresh surge of energy and skill. Janat’s last ODI appearance for Afghanistan dates back to February 2017 against Zimbabwe. His reinstatement into the team adds a layer of versatility, bolstering both the batting and bowling departments.

Janat’s proficiency as an all-rounder makes him a coveted asset for Afghanistan. His dynamic ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds strategic depth to the team’s lineup. As Afghanistan seeks to make its mark in the Asia Cup, Janat’s inclusion presents a significant tactical advantage.

The squad composition reflects ACB’s determination to field a well-balanced team, aiming to make a strong statement in the tournament. Alongside Janat, the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan form a formidable core. Gulbadin Naib’s retention after filling in for the injured Azmatullah Omarzai in Afghanistan’s recent ODI series against Pakistan further strengthens the lineup.

The exclusion of Omarzai, Fareed Ahmed Malik, and Shahidullah Kamal showcases the selectors’ rigorous decision-making process. While Sharafuddin Ashraf’s return to the squad adds depth to Afghanistan’s bowling options, Wafadar Momand’s absence highlights the competitive nature of the selection process.

With the Asia Cup on the horizon, all eyes are on Afghanistan’s diverse squad. Karim Janat’s return signifies a promising new chapter in his international career and adds an intriguing layer of excitement to Afghanistan’s journey in the tournament. As the team strives to leave a mark on the global cricketing stage, Janat’s contributions as an all-rounder could prove to be a pivotal factor in their success.

Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Indian cricket team has been a testament to his resilience and determination after battling excruciating pain caused by a slipped disc. The 28-year-old cricketer expressed his joy at rejoining the team and shared insights into the challenges he faced during his recovery.

Recalling his ordeal, Iyer revealed that the nerve compression resulting from the slipped disc caused intense pain, radiating all the way to his toe. He described the pain as excruciating, rendering him unable to adequately convey his condition to others. Following the injury, Iyer spent two days in the hospital and later took a rest period of ten days. He underwent surgery and subsequently spent three weeks in London for post-surgery evaluations.

Iyer’s journey towards recovery was marked by perseverance, with initial running sessions proving to be arduous. However, his focus remained firmly on the present moment and adhering to his rehabilitation routines. He emphasized his determination to live in the present and not dwell on past challenges or future uncertainties.

With his triumphant return to the Indian team, Iyer’s story reflects his positive outlook and his ability to embrace each moment. His journey resonates as a reminder of the power of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.

The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 is set to commence on August 30, featuring cricketing powerhouses India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Uniquely, this edition embraces a hybrid model, with four games scheduled in Pakistan and the remaining nine held in Sri Lanka, culminating in a final showdown in Colombo.

While the Asia Cup stands as a pinnacle of Asian cricket, determining the finest team in the continent, its significance is magnified by its role as a precursor to the grander spectacle – the World Cup in India this October-November. Pakistan enters the competition on a high note, having clinched victory against Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series held in Sri Lanka.

For Team India, the tournament poses an opportunity to reintegrate key players returning from injuries, though uncertainties hover over their batting order. Squad lists for each team have been unveiled:

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Suliman Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Pakistan

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumraj, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

Travelling reserve: Sanju Samson

Nepal

Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud

Sri Lanka’s squad is yet to be announced.

The tournament will kick off at 3 PM IST, except for the Pakistan-hosted games. The Asia Cup 2023 can be enjoyed via the Star Sports network on television and streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. A noteworthy highlight is that mobile users can watch the tournament for free, ensuring cricket enthusiasts can engage with the action seamlessly. As the cricketing world braces for this thrilling continental showdown, fans anticipate fierce competition and spectacular performances on the field.

The Indian Cricket Team’s training camp for the Asia Cup 2023 in Alur is in full swing. The players enjoyed a brief break on Sunday, engaging in team meetings and Dexa tests as part of their preparation. However, the spotlight is on KL Rahul as he strives to regain full fitness. With their departure to Sri Lanka on August 29th looming, the team is gearing up for a challenging tournament.

KL Rahul, who underwent hamstring surgery, is steadily recuperating. Despite intensive wicketkeeping practice, the 31-year-old experienced discomfort, resulting in his exclusion from the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash. Encouragingly, reports suggest that both the team and medical staff are content with Rahul’s progress.

Scheduled for Monday, another session of wicketkeeping practice awaits Rahul before the team’s departure. India’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign begins against Pakistan in Kandy, with Shreyas Iyer’s recovery from a back injury bolstering the squad. While Rahul’s absence is notable, the cricketer is eager to return to the international stage after a three-month hiatus, aiming to contribute with his wicketkeeping skills later in the tournament.

BCCI Selection Chairman Ajit Agarkar clarified that Rahul’s minor ailment would sideline him from the IND vs PAK clash. As a result, Ishan Kishan will take on the keeping duties, supported by Sanju Samson as a traveling reserve. However, as Rahul’s rehabilitation progresses steadily, his participation in the Nepal game seems probable.

The upcoming days will witness Jasprit Bumrah and other cricketers, who were part of the India vs Ireland T20I series, joining the training camp. Match practice sessions are on the agenda before they set off for Sri Lanka on August 29th. With a blend of recovery, determination, and preparation, the Indian Cricket Team is gearing up for an intense and exciting Asia Cup 2023 challenge.