Kathmandu, Feb. 19 -- The rise of the Nepali men's national cricket team at successive ICC events has transformed them from wide-eyed underdogs into formidable competitors.

Their fixture against the English cricket team at the T20 World Cup earlier this month was a contest that could have tilted either way. But it was not framed as a fairy-tale scare or an emotional overachievement. There were no 'cardiac kids' labels, no patronising applause for spirited resistance.

Instead, Nepal were assessed on tactical execution, composure, and game awareness, the language reserved for serious cricketing sides.

Now, as the world applauds without surprise, Nepal cricket stands at a different crossroads: acknowledged globally, yet still seeking the ...