United States of America vs Nepal, ICCCWCLT, Today Match Prediction 27 October 2024

USA vs NEP Match Prediction & Analysis

United States of America will clash with Nepal in the second game of the World Cup League 2 (WCL-2) tri-series this Sunday at the Prairie View Cricket Complex. Currently, USA are in second place in the table with 12 points and an NRR of 0.637. Meanwhile, Nepal are way down below in seventh place with just 3 points from 8 games and an NRR of -0.529. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

United States of America Preview

USA have won 6 of the 9 games they have played in the ICC WCL-2. They have started this tri-series with a 10-wicket win loss to Scotland. However, with three more games left in the league stage, they are favorites to retain their place in the top two.

USA have a solid batting unit with quite a few players in form. Milind Kumar has been their standout batsman in the tournament, scoring 359 runs in 8 innings at an average of almost 60 and a strike rate of 109.45. Kumar also has 8 wickets in 6 innings at an economy of 4.40.

Captain Monank Patel follows him next with 321 runs in 8 innings at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 91.

Saiteja Mukkamalla has also been a consistent performer for the team, notching 245 runs in the tournament in just 4 innings.

Among the bowlers, Shadley van Schalkwyk and Nosthush Kenjige have impressed the most, taking 13 wickets each. Saurabh Netravalkar has had a great year and will be the one who can keep things tight at one end. 

United States of America Predicted Playing XI:

Andries Gous, Sushant Modani, Monank Patel (c & wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar

Nepal Preview

Nepal have managed just one win from their 8 games in the WCL-2. This means they are struggling in seventh place with just 3 points. Even if they win their remaining four games in the league stage, they will get themselves up to 11 points, which won’t be enough to secure a top-two finish.

Nepal will depend on the likes of Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, and Kushal Bhurtel to do the bulk of the scoring. These three topped the batting charts in the T20I bilateral series against USA recently and will be looking to continue that form to the ODIs.

Gulsan Jha and Kushal Bhurtel have been their top wicket-takers in the WCL-2. But all eyes will be on their star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. He has the ability to turn the game on its head and will trouble USA’s batters. 

Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Lalit Rajbanshi further bolster their bowling attack. 

Nepal Predicted Playing XI:

Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Malla/Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Anil Sah, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Lalit Rajbanshi

Weather Conditions

The pitch at Prairie View Cricket Complex usually is on the slower side. Bowlers who use slower ones and cutters along with spinners will find purchase here. However, batters who spend some time on the surface can go on to make a big one. Batting typically gets easier in the second innings.

The weather in Houston will be cloudy but warm. There is no forecast of rain so we will get a full game. 

USA vs NEP Pitch Report

The previous match between USA and Scotland was the first ODI played at the Prairie View Cricket Complex. USA were bowled out for just 144 after being asked to bowl first, and Scotland overhauled the target inside 25 overs without losing a wicket. The team batting first in this game will be looking to set a target of around 250 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

The first match of the series played at the Prairie View Cricket Complex was comfortably won by the chasing side. This will prompt both captains to field first in this game.