Nepal Batter Arif Sheikh Cites Middle-Order Collapse for Loss to Italy in T20 World Cup

Kathmandu. Following the disappointing loss to Italy in the T20 World Cup, Nepal batter Arif Sheikh stated that the failure of the middle order to perform well after the powerplay was the reason for the defeat.

In the second match of Group 'C' of the World Cup currently underway in India, Nepal was defeated by Italy, considered comparatively weaker, by 10 wickets on Thursday. After the loss, in a press conference, Arif mentioned that the inability to bat well during the powerplay and the quick collapse of the middle order led to the loss of the result.

He noted that they could not recover in the game after losing wickets continuously in the lower middle order. He also praised the good bowling by Italy's spinners. 'In the middle order, Dipeendra (Singh Airee) and I tried to advance the innings. But, after Dipeendra got out, the innings collapsed. We could not recover from there,' Arif said. He expressed hope for a better performance in the upcoming matches.

Nepal will now play the third match of the group against West Indies and the final match against Scotland. Nepal's spinner Sandeep Lamichhane commented that today was a bad day, mentioning the failure to take early wickets while defending a low target.

'While defending a low target, one must bowl excellently from the first over. Our bowlers have the capability to defend even this target. But, that kind of performance did not materialize,' Sandeep said. 'I also take responsibility for this poor performance. Italy came with a good plan today. And they succeeded in it. Today was also our bad day.'