WATCH: Team India felicitates Nepal players for their impressive performance in Asia Cup 2023 

Team India advanced to the Super Fours of the 2023 Asia Cup after defeating Nepal by 10 wickets at the Pallekale International Cricket Stadium on Monday, September 4. With rain playing spoilsport, India's target was reduced to 145 runs in 23 overs and they comfortably chased down with 17 balls to spare. The Men in Blue ended Nepal's debut journey in the continental event, but they won the hearts of cricket fans across the world with an incredible gesture.

Winning the toss, Rohit Sharma opted to field first with the aim of giving his bowlers a warm-up ahead of their crucial Super Fours match against Pakistan on September 10. Not many expected the minnows to put up a fight against a world-class team like India, who have won seven Asia Cup titles. However, Nepal's batting unit decided that this was not going to be a one-sided contest and staged a brilliant performance.

Against Pakistan, Nepal conceded 342 runs before being bowled out for a paltry total of 104 runs. But against Rohit Sharma's side, opener Aasif Sheikh's half-century and their No. 8 Sompal Kami's 48 off 56 balls saw them post 230 in 48.2 overs. With the ball, Nepal started positively with pacer Karan KC had India skipper trouble early on before he settled down to score 74 of 59 balls.

After the match ended, Team India surprised the Nepal players in their dressing room. Senior players and head coach Rahul Dravid shared their experiences with the emerging cricket nation and felicitated them for their impressive performance. In a video shared by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the likes of Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli and coach Rahul Dravid can be seen presenting medals to Nepal players who performed well in the game. The CAN also thanked the Indian Cricket Board and the players for the kind gesture.

Watch the video below: 

In the world of cricket, heroes rise not only through their batting and bowling, but also through their sportsmanship and character. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the @BCCI @imVkohli @hardikpandya7, and the extraordinary Indian cricket team for the time together. pic.twitter.com/RCaEF0TxwS

— CAN (@CricketNep) September 5, 2023

We didn’t get such opportunities often: Nepal captain

Earlier on Sunday, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel said that playing against top teams like India and Pakistan will help them a lot in their cricketing journey. "We all are very excited, especially playing against India. We didn’t get such opportunities often. So, it’s a big opportunity for all of us to represent our country on the biggest stage,” said Paudel.

“We never imagined that we would get a chance to play two back-to-back matches against Pakistan and India. We want to make such opportunities count so that the cricketing world can take notice of us,” said Paudel.