Belief building for Nepal and Jha eyes more success at home

A career-best effort with the ball has provided Nepal all-rounder Gulsan Jha the confidence that he can help lead the side to greater heights during the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament.

Jha collected just his second five-wicket haul in international cricket when delivering a match-winning performance against Oman on Tuesday in a performance that helped Nepal stay in touch with the top sides in the race for a top four berth on the League 2 standings and earn direct entry into the Qualifier event for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

The right-armer removed Oman opener Hasnain Ul Wahab as one of three wicket during his first spell and then came back on at the death to clean up the tail to finish with career-best figures of 5/38 in a superb individual showing.

It was a long overdue performance from Jha, with the 20-year-old struggling for consistency with the ball in recent times and not used at any stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup despite featuring for Nepal in everyone of their four fixtures at the showcase event.

Jha thanked Nepal's coaching staff for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to rediscover his best form against Oman.

“You know I was struggling for some time now,” Jha said during the post-match presentation.

“I want to dedicate this to my father, mother and coaching staff for their continuous belief in me.”

Jha will get another chance to show his capabilities when Nepal host another tri-series as part of the League 2 tournament later this month, with the Asian side hosting pacesetters USA and second-placed Scotland when play recommences on May 12.

And while on paper those fixtures do look tough for Nepal, Jha is adamant his side is building in confidence and a chance to win every one of those matches.

“We planned not to miss any matches in this home series," Jha said.

"We will be looking for all four wins in the coming series."