Nepal cricket witnessed a memorable triumph as middle-order batsman Arif Sheikh delivered a match-winning performance against the Netherlands in the ICC World Cup Cricket League-2. His calm and calculated innings of 78 runs led Nepal to a stunning five-wicket win at Forthill, Dundee – marking Nepal’s first ODI victory against the Dutch side on neutral soil.
In a game where runs were hard to come by, Arif Sheikh stood tall. Known for his ability to anchor the innings and absorb pressure, Arif once again showcased his reliability by crafting the only half-century of the match. His performance not only earned him praise but also proved crucial in extending Nepal cricket’s dominance over the Netherlands in the ODI format.
Nepal vs Netherlands: Match Overview
Nepal chased down a target of 226 runs in 47.1 overs, with Arif Sheikh guiding the innings almost till the end. The Netherlands, considered favorites, were left stunned as Nepal’s middle order, led by Arif, dismantled their bowling attack. This was Nepal’s fourth 50-over win over the Netherlands – twice on Dutch soil, once at home, and now on neutral ground.
Arif Sheikh walked in with Nepal in a tight spot and anchored the innings brilliantly. His 78 off 99 balls included seven fours and two sixes. He reached his fifty in the 40th over by dispatching Vivienne Kingma over point for a six – a moment that shifted the momentum decisively in Nepal’s favor.
Calm Under Pressure: Arif Sheikh’s Signature Style
Nicknamed the “Iceman” of Nepal cricket, Arif Sheikh once again proved why he is regarded as one of the calmest and most composed players in the team. His ability to adapt to pressure situations and guide his team through tough phases was evident in Dundee’s cold conditions.
Speaking after the match, Arif said, “I just tried to play the role assigned by coach Stuart Law. I wanted to finish the game but couldn’t. Hopefully next time I’ll stay till the end. I’m happy I could contribute to the team in a meaningful way.”
The importance of his knock is underscored by the fact that he stitched two key partnerships — a 55-run stand with captain Rohit Paudel and a match-turning 89-run stand in 92 balls with Dipendra Singh Airee.
Arif Sheikh’s Growing Impact
This was Arif Sheikh’s eighth ODI half-century, and it also marked his career-best score, surpassing his previous best of 66 against Oman in Houston, 2022. Last year, he played another pivotal knock, scoring an unbeaten 51 against Scotland to seal a five-wicket win.
Over the last year, Arif Sheikh has been Nepal’s most consistent run-scorer in ODIs. He scored 239 runs in 7 innings – more than captain Rohit Paudel (227 in 8 innings) and Gulshan Jha (193 in 8 innings). With over 1,203 ODI runs at an average above 27, Arif now stands as Nepal’s fourth-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind only Rohit Paudel (1,813), Asif Sheikh (1,561), and Kushal Bhurtel (1,363).
Despite these numbers, Arif Sheikh was not selected for Nepal’s squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies last year – a move that surprised many. Arif expressed his disappointment on social media but chose to respond in the best possible way — with a match-winning innings.
Quiet Performer, Big Match Player
Captain Rohit Paudel praised Arif’s performance: “Arif Dai played a composed innings. He judged the situation perfectly and attacked when it was required. He’s one of those players who may not be in the limelight but wins games for us.”
Arif Sheikh remains one of the most experienced players in the current Nepal cricket team, having made his debut during the World Cricket League Division 3 in Malaysia back in 2014. Only Sompal Kami has a longer tenure. Arif continues to be a vital pillar in the middle order and trains regularly with other senior players like Gyanendra Malla.
Despite setbacks, Arif’s calm demeanor and focused mindset continue to shape his journey in Nepal cricket. “I don’t care much about the limelight,” Arif stated. “Whenever I get the chance, I just want to perform and contribute to the team’s win.”
Arif Sheikh’s match-winning innings against the Netherlands reaffirmed his value to Nepal cricket. In a team filled with rising stars, Arif’s stability, experience, and temperament continue to be his greatest strengths. With form on his side and opportunities on the rise, Arif Sheikh’s journey in Nepal cricket seems far from over – and fans can expect many more steady innings from the Iceman of Nepal.