Nagoya, Sept. 25 -- The 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, remain a heart-breaking memory for Nepali cricket. Twelve years ago, the national team stood on the brink of history, presented with a glorious opportunity to secure the country's first-ever medal in a team event on the continental stage.

After advancing from the group stage, Nepal faced Afghanistan in the quarterfinals. A victory would have set up a semifinal clash against Hong Kong-an opponent well within Nepal's reach-with the then head coach Pubudu Dassanayake confidently targeting a place in the final.

Nepal executed their plan brilliantly in the first half, restricting Afghanistan-the team Nepal had defeated in the 2014 T20 World Cup in March-to a modest 119/9. But ...