"I expect the team to win," says Nepal's coach Roy Dias regarding the upcoming ACC U-17 tournament, "but then so does everyone else in the country." Nepal's fans have plenty of reason to be this hopeful as Nepal have a terrific track-record at youth level. U-15 champions in 2005 and 2006, U-19 champions in 2003, 2005 and 2007, ICC U/19 World Cup 2006 Plate Champions: they are a pedigree side. Plus, they're playing at home where the seniors too, have hardly lost a game since Roy Dias took over as national coach in 2003.

Picture: Bijay Rai, myrepublica.com

Nepal have made a habit of capitalising on other team’s mistakes at youth level. Other teams may have their moments of flair, Nepal has steady momentum. The batsmen play straight, in the ‘V’, not wishing to risk the wrath of Mr. Dias who, with the most iron of fists in the most velveteen of gloves, encourages them to keep the ball on the ground. The bowlers bowl wicket to wicket and concede very few extras. It’s a winning formula at junior level.

Other teams have noticed, Singapore and Hong Kong for sure and are trying to follow, even the Middle East dash and panache merchants. Kuwait’s coach Tahir Khan says, “if my boys play sensibly they will do well, but it is hard to control a teenager who just wants to hit the ball hard and bowl fast.” It’s hard, but Roy Dias manages.

Roy Dias, lifted by his 2005 ACC U-19 Cup winning team

	Malaysia’s Keithan Goonasageran Courtesy of Malaysian Cricket Association

Steadiness might win matches at youth level, but spectacular talent is what curls the moustaches of coaches. Malaysia's captain Keithan Goonasageran is a terrific prospect, who at 16, is already possessed of a shrewd cricket brain. He bats at 4 and hits plenty of them, 6s too.  "Of all the players I have seen in Malaysia, he is extraordinarily talented," says his coach in Penang, Bangladeshi Mohmad Mujibur Rahman. "If he was born in a Test-playing country, he'd be playing international youth cricket."

One player a team does not make, however. Nepal always seem to have quality in depth and the most hunger to win the 50-50 contests on which each game hangs. “My gut feeling is that this side is good,” says Mr. Dias, “I will be very disappointed if we don’t win the tournament.”

ACC U-17 Elite Cup

Filed February 3, 2009