See how Malaysian Press wrote about Nepali hero

Hungry Paras aims for UAE scalp and ACC Trophy (July 31 2008)

PARAS Khadka has seen it all – the Under-19 World Cup and the recent World Cricket League in Jersey but he yearns for the ACC Elite Trophy more than anything at this moment of time.

“It is high time we cross the line and take this trophy back home which has eluded Nepal in every edition,” said the 20-year-old Paras, who played an instrumental role in leading Nepal to last year’s ACC Under-19 title and also captained the side to the ICC U/19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in March.

The Nepalese face four-time champions United Arab Emirates in the semifinals of the ACC Trophy at the Selangor Turf Club on Friday (today) while Hong Kong and Afghanistan square-off at the famed Kinrara Oval. At the Bayuemas Oval in Klang, Malaysia takes on Singapore in the play-off for 5-6^th placing.

The Malaysians finished third with four points in Group A behind Afghanistan (six points) and UAE (six). 

Nepal qualified for the 2002 final but lost to United Arab Emirates in the final, crashed out during the quarterfinals stage in 2004 and was once again beaten by UAE in the semifinals of the 2006 edition held in Kuala Lumpur.

“It is always frustrating when you play your best in the preliminary round with aim of qualifying for the semifinals and not go beyond that. For me, that has been my frustration in the ACC Trophy.

“The weather has been good the last few days, at time a little hot, but that is good for cricket. We are prepared to face any team in the semifinals and I believe UAE have a good batting and bowling lineup. They are always a dangerous side. They came back strongly after that opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to qualify for the semifinals,” added Paras, who smashed 71 runs against Singapore.

The UAE will be counting on Arshad Ali, who has won more than 10 Man of the Match awards in ACC tournaments in the last five years.

Coached by Vesbert Drakes, the former West Indian right-arm fast bowler, UAE will be looking to their fifth consecutive final and fans can expect an explosive semifinal encounter between these two Asia’s non-test playing giants.

http://www.malaysiacricket.com