Adam Gilchrist Tips Nepal, Netherlands to Surprise in T20 World Cup
Barbados: Legendary Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has highlighted Nepal and the Netherlands as potential contenders to upset teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Nepal and the Netherlands are grouped with Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka in Group D. Gilchrist emphasized that Nepal, led by Rohit Paudel, has gained significant international exposure, making them a formidable team.
Regarding the Netherlands, Gilchrist noted their history of competitiveness in ICC events and their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities against major teams.
“I think Nepal could be a team that surprises,” Gilchrist stated on SEN Radio.
“They have a couple of young players who have been playing in major leagues for several years now,” he added.
However, Nepal has faced a setback as their star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been ruled out due to a second rejection of his US visa application.
Reflecting on the Netherlands’ performance, especially their victory over South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Gilchrist emphasized their capability to challenge established teams.
“The Dutch always manage to unsettle a few teams, and they showed their strength against South Africa last time in Adelaide. So, they could be a team to watch out for,” he commented.
Gilchrist pointed out recent upsets in cricket, such as the USA defeating Bangladesh in a T20 series, highlighting the ambition of lesser-known cricketing nations to compete against higher-ranked teams.
“These opportunities not only provide a financial boost but also enhance the cricketing infrastructure in these countries,” Gilchrist remarked.
Both Nepal and the Netherlands will commence their T20 World Cup campaign against each other on Tuesday, marking the beginning of their journey in the global tournament.
