Aasif Sheikh's remarkable performance etched his name into the history books of Nepalese cricket as he became the first-ever player from Nepal to achieve a half-century against the formidable Indian cricket team in an international match.
This right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, who had made his debut for Nepal in 2021, showcased his exceptional batting skills alongside Kushal Bhurtel during the opening overs of a thrilling match.
Together, they formed an imposing partnership, amassing a formidable 65 runs for the first wicket within the initial 10 overs, setting an impressive pace for Nepal at the Asia Cup 2023.
Despite encountering three close calls in the first five overs of the game, Sheikh remained undeterred. Alongside Bhurtel, he stood his ground and fought back against the formidable Indian pacers. Bhurtel, the more aggressive of the two, blazed his way to 38 off just 25 balls before being dismissed by Shardul Thakur. In contrast, Sheikh displayed remarkable composure, patiently biding his time against the Indian spinners and crafting a well-constructed 58 runs off 96 balls before being caught out by Mohammed Siraj.
Born on January 2001, Sheikh has carved an impressive cricketing career for himself. His journey in the world of cricket began with him leading the Nepal U-19 team in the 2018 Quadrangular Cricket Tournament held in India. He continued to showcase his leadership abilities by captaining the Nepal national U-19 cricket team during the 2018 ACC Asia Cup.
The 22-year-old cricketer boasts an impressive track record filled with remarkable achievements. He made headlines by scoring an unforgettable unbeaten 111 runs in the 2016 Everest Premier League final, leading his team to victory and securing their first-ever EPL title. His outstanding performance also earned him the distinction of being the tournament's top run-scorer. Sheikh's journey in cricket continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Nepalese cricketers to excel on the international stage
