Rhinos Rising: Nepal Targets Historic Super 8 Spot
MUMBAI — Ten years ago, a generation of Nepali children sat glued to television screens, watching their countrymen make history in the lush fields of Bangladesh. That 2014 T20 World Cup squad didn’t just play cricket; they planted a seed. Today, that seed has blossomed into a squad of young men standing on the hallowed turf of the Wankhede Stadium, ready to face the world’s best.
For Nepal, the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is more than a tournament; it is the closing of a circle.
At the Captain’s Press Conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, Nepal skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel highlighted how their journey traces a lasting arc from inspired fans to potential leaders. The current squad is almost entirely comprised of those who watched Nepal’s momentous 2014 campaign, now carrying its legacy forward.
"The 2014 World Cup inspired many of us," Paudel said. "We hope our performance now will ignite the next generation, just as we were once inspired."
**Bridging the Era**
The only living link between that pioneering 2014 squad and the current team is veteran pacer Sompal Kami. For the rest, including the captain, this is the realisation of a boyhood dream. But Paudel was quick to point out that nostalgia alone won't win matches. The "Rhinos" have arrived in Mumbai, buoyed by a fierce competitive streak.
Paudel cited their 2024 campaign—where they pushed giants South Africa and Bangladesh to the absolute brink—as proof of their evolution.
"We also got the opportunity to play the West Indies in Sharjah last year, and the win gave a lot of confidence to the boys," Paudel noted. "We are taking all these motivations to the 2026 World Cup."
**The "Group of Death" and the Wankhede Factor**
Nepal’s task is monumental. Placed in Group C, they face England, the West Indies, Scotland, and Italy. Their first match is a daunting challenge: they open their campaign this Sunday against England, one of the world’s most aggressive white-ball teams. Beyond facing top-ranked opponents, Nepal must overcome the pressure of international expectations and the limited experience of many squad members at this elite level.
The Rhinos enter the tournament in red-hot form, having dispatched the UAE and Canada in consecutive warm-up fixtures. The victory against Canada was particularly clinical, chasing down 162 with two overs to spare, powered by Aasif Sheikh’s rapid 58.
However, the conditions at Wankhede will test their mettle. Known as a batter's paradise, the Mumbai pitch demands high scoring. West Indies captain Shai Hope, sitting alongside Paudel, noted that "300+ runs" is a genuine target in modern T20S.
Yet, Afghanistan’s superstar spinner Rashid Khan offered a counter-perspective that Nepal would do well to heed. "When you bowl in the right areas, it will not make it easy for the batters," Khan said, warning that discipline often triumphs over aggression.
**Validation from the Best**
Perhaps the most telling endorsement of Nepal’s rise came not from within, but from its neighbours. Afghanistan, once the darlings of Associate cricket, is now a Test nation and semi-final contender. Their captain, Rashid Khan, sees a reflection of his own team’s journey in Nepal.
"In a couple of years, Nepali cricket is going to be up here," Khan told the Post, raising his hand high. "The passion for cricket in Nepal is unbelievable."
When asked what advice he would give to a team burdened by the expectations of a cricket-crazy nation, Khan’s answer was simple: "Trust the process."
**Beyond the Boundary: Politics and Preparation**
The lead-up to this World Cup has not been without geopolitical turbulence. The withdrawal of Bangladesh opened the door for Scotland, while tensions between India and Pakistan have dominated headlines.
Despite distractions, Associates like Nepal are locked on a clear goal: reaching the Super 8s. For a side that once only dreamed of competing, their ongoing progression from inspired outsiders to contenders is unmistakable. As dew settles on the Wankhede outfield during night matches, the toss may play a crucial role. But as Indian skipper Surya Kumar Yadav famously remarked about his own team's success, it comes down to "mentality."
Against England this Sunday, Nepal faces the ultimate test—not just to compete, but to transition from being inspired to inspiring.
