Laligurans claim Nepal HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup

10 September 2019

Laligurans have won the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup after defeating newcomers Naipala in the final.

Over 290 players competed in the event, which was co-hosted by the Nepalese Cricket Association.

One of five new teams to the event, Naipala progressed through their group stage before beating Sagarmatha in the semi-final.

Laligurans total of 77 off their 6 overs proved too much for Naipala, who finished their innings 21 runs shy of the target.

Laligurans went through the day undefeated and advanced through tough qualifying final and semi-final wins over West United CC and Lumbini CC.

Captain Ashish Pandey was impressed with his team’s consistent performance across the day.

“Knowing that we can be adjudged the best out of 22 teams and getting a chance to represent our wonderful Nepalese cricketing community for a chance to win the whole tournament, that was enough of a motivation for us to remain consistent in what was a long day of competitive cricket,” Pandey said.

“It also gives us motivation to keep getting better and marks off a great start to our season this year.”

The HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup exists to bring communities together and to celebrate culture through cricket.

Promoting social cohesion through cricket is of huge importance for the Nepalese community, according to Nepalese Cricket Association President, Niraj Shrestha.

“Cricket here in Sydney has acted as a bridge amongst the Nepalese community to get connected socially,” Shrestha said.

“After long week of work, study and family commitment the cricket field is the way to connect to the Nepalese community.”

Participation in the Nepalese Cricket Association has increased year-on-year, aligned with the rise of Nepal on the global cricket stage.

“Students are attracted for higher education in Australia and cricket being one of the popular sports in Nepal lately specially amongst youth,” Shrestha said.

“NCAA has been running cricketing activities successfully for almost a decade in Sydney region which has led to participate teams in NCAA league.”

For the local Nepalese community, the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup is a highlight on the cricket calendar.

“Sydney Thunder has provided a perfect platform for aspiring players to represents in various teams in Australia,” Shrestha said.

“It has been a wonderful partnership with Sydney Thunder in past years and looking forward to work together in days to come to promote community cricket within various communities.”

After making the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup Grand Final last season, Nepal will be looking to go one better during this year’s competition.

The HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup continues across September and October, with free community trials held for communities across the Thunder Nation. Individuals are encouraged to register for their community trials, where a team will be selected to represent their community at the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup Finals Day in November.

2019 HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup Schedule

Fiji Community Trials – Wednesday 18 September – REGISTER HERE

India Community Trials – Sunday 22 September – REGISTER HERE

Bangladesh Community Trials – Wednesday 25 September – REGISTER HERE

Pakistan Community Trials – Sunday 29 September – REGISTER HERE

African Nations Community Trials – Wednesday 2 October – REGISTER HERE

Sri Lanka Community Event – Monday 7 October – Please contact Sydney Thunder

Afghanistan Community Trials – Wednesday 16^th October – REGISTER HERE

Vietnam Community Trials – Sunday 20^th October – REGISTER HERE

From each Community Trial, a team will be selected to represent their nation at the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup Finals Day on Sunday 3 November 2019.

For more information, please contact Sydney Thunder.

For information about the Women’s Thunder Nation Cup, please contact Sydney Thunder.

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