"Top Order Should Have Finished the Game," Says Captain Anil Sah After Defeat to Oman
KATHMANDU – Following a disappointing collapse against Oman, Nepal 'A' Captain Anil Sah admitted that the team’s top-order batting failed to take full responsibility, leading to their defeat. Speaking in a post-match interview, Sah highlighted errors in calculation and the inability of set batsmen to close out the game.
Failures in Calculation
Despite a steady start, Sah pointed out that the team’s tactical execution was off. "The top four batsmen got the start we needed, but they should have shown more responsibility. I feel we missed the mark in our calculations," Sah remarked. He noted that while Dev Khanal and Kushal Malla were at the crease, the required rate was manageable at a run-a-ball, but a lack of patience led to unnecessary wickets.
Bowling and Execution Gaps
Reflecting on the first innings, Sah shared that the plan was to restrict Oman to under 250 runs. However, early leaks in the powerplay and a lack of control during the death overs proved costly. "We expected the pitch to be more helpful for bowlers in the first innings, but we couldn't capitalize on that. Our planning failed as we leaked too many runs early on without taking wickets".
The Finishing Struggle
When asked about the dramatic collapse—losing 8 wickets for just 30 runs—Sah acknowledged it as a recurring concern within the national structure. He emphasized that the habit of playing long, unbeaten innings of 100 or 150 runs is missing. "In a One-Day game, the person who is set must finish it. It shouldn't always fall on the lower order at numbers 6 or 7. I should have taken more responsibility myself as a set batter".
Positives and Healthy Competition
Despite the loss, Sah praised young bowler Santosh Yadav for his confident performance with the ball. He also expressed that the current level of competition within the 32-man camp is a positive sign for Nepali cricket. "It’s a healthy competition. Players are getting matches, and everyone is staying busy with camps like this. This is a very good sign for the future of Nepal cricket".
Looking ahead to the next match, Sah remains optimistic, stating that the team will focus on more individual responsibility to secure a win.
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