Ahead of his side’s Asia Cup clash against India, Nepal coach Monty Desai said that previous generations of Nepal cricket dreamt of a day when their team will play against big Test-playing nations and now that it has come true, the team will back its strengths when it has been presented with a good chance to carve their identity.

India will take on Nepal in their Asia Cup clash at Kandy. In Group A, Pakistan qualified for the Super Four stage with three points following a win over Nepal and a washout against arch-rivals India, which caused them to share a point each. Now India (1 point) and Nepal (0 points) have to win this match to qualify for the Super Four stage.

“Every generation (of Nepal Cricket) had a dream that one day they will play with big nations…Today their dream is coming true,” the coach told ANI.

“We have played the League 2 matches and Asia Cup qualifiers matches. We have won them. We will back our strengths against India,” he added.

The coach admitted that Nepal players will feel awed by the presence of superstar Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, etc. but on the field, there will be just competition and “it is a good chance for Nepal to carve its identity.”

Nepal all-rounder Gulshan Jha also said that Nepal has an opportunity to learn from a team as big as India.

“We have an opportunity to learn from India. India is a big team. Every wicket will be priceless for us and we will work hard for it,” said Gulshan, who is excited for the match.

“We had dreamt of a day we would play Test teams like India and Pakistan. We will compete hard on the field though it is a fanboy moment for all of us”, he added.