Watch: India drop 3 easy catches against Nepal in IND vs NEP Asia Cup 2023 Group A match

Indian fielders dropped three easy catches against Nepal in the ongoing match at Pallekele.

Nepal batters had multiple second chances in the powerplay against India as Team India had a dismal day on the field so far at Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Indian fielders dropped three catches during Nepal’s opening partnership and allowed them to score almost 6 runs per over in the first 10 Overs. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Shaikh had a magnificent opening partnership for Nepal as they added 65 runs for the first wicket in 10 overs. India needs to win to secure their place in the Super 4 round. 

Nepal got 3 lifelines

Coming in as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami got Kushal Bhurtel’s (38) outside edge in the last ball of the first over. Shreyas Iyer at the first slip was not ready as he failed to grab the catch while diving to his right. Bhurtel was looking aggressive against the Indian pace attack from ball one and provided Nepal with the opening start they were looking for. Mohammed Siraj was brought in next to share the new ball with Shami. 

Mohammed Siraj also faced a similar fate in the next delivery as Aasif Shaikh played a drive on his full-length delivery. Shaikh failed to get the required timing and it went straight to cover where Virat Kohli was fielding. Kohli also dropped one of the easiest catches and Nepal their second life in two back-to-back deliveries. Aasif Shaikh also went on to accompany opener Bhurtel nicely in the opening partnership. 

Another opportunity came in the fifth over of the inning as Bhurtel tried to play a swivel pull shot against Mohammed Shami. Ishan Kishan moved to his left to grab the ball but he was completely deceived by the pace and let it slip from his gloves. Kishan was looking to grab the ball in an unusual style with gloves on, Bhurtel got 4 runs and went on to score 38 runs. The missed catches did provide Nepal an opportunity to look for a big score. 

Right after the opening stand, Nepal's middle-order is on the verge of collapse. After 65 runs in the opening stand between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Shaikh, Nepal lost 4 wickets and added only 37 runs in the next 12 overs. Shardul Thakur picked up the opening wicket and from there left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has struck three in his spell. Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl against Nepal.