Nandan Yadav announced his arrival on the international stage in style, delivering a match-winning performance on his ODI debut for Nepal against the Netherlands in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 clash at Forthill.
The young right-arm pacer became Nepal’s 42nd ODI player and immediately made a name for himself with an impressive bowling spell, finishing with figures of 9-1-39-3. His sharp pace, disciplined line, and fearless approach were instrumental in Nepal’s crucial victory.
Nandan Yadav’s Impactful Debut
Opening the bowling in the second over of the match, Yadav showed no signs of nerves. His first ODI wicket came in just his second over, removing Dutch opener Max O’Dowd, setting the tone for the rest of the innings.
He returned to bowl in the death overs and delivered a crucial blow in the 47th over, dismissing the experienced Roelof van der Merwe and Kyle Klein, sealing his three-wicket haul and ensuring Nepal maintained control of the match.
“It was a special moment for me. Wearing the Nepal jersey and getting that first wicket – I’ll never forget it,” said Yadav after the match, visibly emotional and proud.
Over-by-Over Highlights
- 2nd Over: Debut spell begins (1-0-7-0)
- 4th Over: First wicket – Max O’Dowd (2-0-8-1)
- 14th Over: Maiden over showcasing control and confidence
- 47th Over: Double strike – van der Merwe & Klein
- Final Bowling Figures: 9 overs | 1 maiden | 39 runs | 3 wickets | Economy 4.33
Handy With the Bat
In addition to his bowling heroics, Yadav chipped in with a valuable 10 off 12 balls* during Nepal’s innings, proving he can contribute as a reliable lower-order batter.
A Promising Future for Nepal Cricket
Yadav’s sensational debut comes at a crucial time for Nepal, as the team eyes qualification for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and builds depth in their fast bowling department. His emergence adds balance to the squad and bolsters Nepal’s pace arsenal ahead of key fixtures.
As Nepal continues its journey in international cricket, Nandan Yadav looks set to become a mainstay in the national setup.