T20 WORLD CUP | Windies has the momentum; Law advises Nepal to stay away from social media

Nepal and the West Indies come into Sunday’s T20 World Cup fixture at the Wankhede Stadium here with contrasting fortunes. While the West Indies is unbeaten in the tournament, Nepal lost to Italy, after nearly pulling off a win against England in the tournament opener.

West Indies spinner Akeal Hossain made it clear that the team won’t take any opponent lightly, whereas Nepal head coach Stuart Law had a piece of advice for his players: to stay away from social media and focus on the game.

“From the start of the tournament, most of the bigger teams have been in a spot of bother. So, we are not taking anyone lightly. Preparation is going to be the same, mindset is going to be the same,” Hossain said.

With no injury concerns, West Indies hopes to back itself and keep the momentum going, whereas for the Nepal players, it’s about some soul-searching after an embarrassing defeat against lower-ranked Italy.

And, Law did not mince his words. “We got to work out why the gulf from the England game to the Italy game happened. Social media is a massive part of Nepalese culture, but it can be a huge distraction,” Law said.

“If we’re focusing on what we’re doing on social media, if we’re focusing on what people are saying about us on social media, and not focusing about what the team needs, what the teammates are saying, then you are distracted from your actual job,” the seasoned Australian coach said, adding: “I told the boys to get (social media) away from cricket…”

Though captain Rohit Paudel is down with a fever, he is expected to turn up for the key game and bring Nepal’s campaign back on track.

Match starts at 11 a.m.