KATHMANDU: Nepal will look to revive their ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign when they face Namibia in their third match of the tri-nation ODI series in the Netherlands on Monday after suffering consecutive defeats in their opening two games.

Having struggled in all three departments—batting, bowling and fielding—against both the Netherlands and Namibia, Nepal enter the must-win encounter under mounting pressure. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. (Nepal time).

Back-to-back losses have significantly dented Nepal’s hopes of finishing in the top four of the League 2 standings and securing direct qualification to the ICC Cricket World Cup Global Qualifier.

Consecutive defeats
Nepal opened their campaign with an eight-wicket defeat to Namibia at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd in Utrecht. After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Nepal came under pressure from the outset as JJ Smit ripped through the batting line-up. Nepal managed just 157 runs before Namibia comfortably chased the 158-run target in 37.4 overs, losing only two wickets.

The Rhinos then suffered another setback against hosts the Netherlands, losing by six wickets. Defending the same total of 158, Nepal were unable to contain the Dutch batters, who reached the target in 35 overs with four wickets in hand.

With two defeats from two matches, Nepal now face a virtual must-win situation to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Standings
The Netherlands have strengthened their grip on third place after registering successive victories in the series. Following their six-wicket win over Nepal, the hosts defeated Namibia by 58 runs on Saturday to move to 36 points from 30 matches.

Nepal and Namibia have both played 30 matches and remain fifth and sixth respectively, tied on 24 points.

Remaining fixtures
Nepal will take on Namibia on Monday before facing the Netherlands again on Wednesday in their final match of the series.

To remain in contention for direct qualification, Nepal need to win all of their remaining League 2 matches while also relying on favorable results elsewhere.