Nepal seeking a place in final

KATHMANDU, NOV 29 -
Nepal, who secured the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 berth with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Hong Kong on Wednesday, will now look to carry the momentum into the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty 20 Qualifiers against heavyweights Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Nepal will enter the pitch with much greater confidence of defeating Afghanistan, the opponent against whom they lost by nine wickets under D/L method during their group state match.
Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake believed that it was the right moment for his side to beat Afghanistan, who finished in pole position in Group B, and signal their intentions for next year’s World Cup to be held in Bangladesh. “After already achieving our target, it is important that we continue improving our game with every match we play before the World Cup,” he said.
“It is important that we beat Afghanistan, the team against whom we have always struggled, to show that we are ready to compete against big teams. Furthermore, reaching the final in the Qualifiers will also help raise confidence in players,” added Dassanayake.
Nepali team skipper Paras Khadka believed that it was significant for his team to keep playing with the same level of determination and hard work that they have been putting in lately.
“We have worked really hard to realise our dream of playing in a World Cup. But we still need to try and win every game we play and keep improving,” stated Khadka. “We will do everything we can to reach the final and maintain the run of recent good results. We do not have a great record against Afghanistan but the semi-final will be a great opportunity to change that all,” added Khadka. 
Nepal’s historic achievement sparked nationwide celebrations on Thursday with fans organizing rallies around the nation. Meanwhile, hosts the United Arab Emirates will take on Group A winners Ireland in the second semi-finals at the same venue later on Friday. The final of the Qualifier is scheduled for Saturday.

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