NEW DELHI: Out on bail for an alleged rape, Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane is anticipated to play a big position in staff’s quest to safe a first-ever spot within the ODI World Cup.
As Nepal start their journey within the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Harare from Sunday, they are going to be up in opposition to hosts Zimbabwe. 10 groups are vying for 2 berths on the World Cup, scheduled to happen in India in October.
Sri Lanka, the West Indies, Eire and the hosts are among the many favourites however Nepal — who solely gained one-day worldwide standing in 2018 — hope to spring a shock.
Central to their probabilities is 22-year-old spin bowler Lamichhane, as soon as the poster boy for the rise of cricket in Nepal.
“Lamichhane is a vital participant for our staff,” mentioned Britant Khanal, basic supervisor of the Cricket Affiliation of Nepal.
“He has carried out very nicely in the previous few matches regardless of a case in opposition to him in courtroom.”
Lamichhane is accused of raping a 17-year-old lady in a Kathmandu resort room in August final yr. He denies all wrongdoing.
He was suspended as nationwide captain and arrested, however was freed on bail in January and Nepal then lifted his ban on enjoying.
Below his bail circumstances, Lamichhane is ready to journey overseas.
Within the capital Kathmandu there may be pleasure concerning the qualifiers, with many followers on social media backing the inclusion of Lamichhane — and solely a small quantity in opposition to it.
Nepal go into the qualifying match with momentum.
They received 11 of their final 12 matches to take third spot in World Cup League 2 and attain the match in Zimbabwe.
High-order batsman Aasif Sheikh instructed the Worldwide Cricket Council that there was confidence inside the squad.
“We consider that if we play our greatest cricket on that day, we’re going to win,” he mentioned.
Khanal was extra measured, calling Nepal’s hopes of reaching the World Cup “an extended shot”, earlier than including: “However we’re assured that our staff’s efficiency shall be excellent.”
A part of Nepal’s success has come from enjoying in entrance of packed homes at their house Tribhuvan College Cricket Floor — one thing they won’t be able to depend on in Zimbabwe.
“Our staff exhibits extraordinary efficiency when they’re enjoying within the house floor, however when in a international stadium, the efficiency has not remained passable,” Khanal mentioned.
“One other weak point is our overreliance on two or three gamers — together with Sandeep Lamichhane — which shouldn’t have been the case.”
After assembly Zimbabwe in Harare, Nepal will play america, the West Indies and the Netherlands as they attempt to make their World Cup goals come true.
On Tuesday they suffered a three-wicket defeat to fellow World Cup hopefuls the UAE in a warm-up match in Harare.
(With inputs from AFP)
As Nepal start their journey within the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Harare from Sunday, they are going to be up in opposition to hosts Zimbabwe. 10 groups are vying for 2 berths on the World Cup, scheduled to happen in India in October.
Sri Lanka, the West Indies, Eire and the hosts are among the many favourites however Nepal — who solely gained one-day worldwide standing in 2018 — hope to spring a shock.
Central to their probabilities is 22-year-old spin bowler Lamichhane, as soon as the poster boy for the rise of cricket in Nepal.
“Lamichhane is a vital participant for our staff,” mentioned Britant Khanal, basic supervisor of the Cricket Affiliation of Nepal.
“He has carried out very nicely in the previous few matches regardless of a case in opposition to him in courtroom.”
Lamichhane is accused of raping a 17-year-old lady in a Kathmandu resort room in August final yr. He denies all wrongdoing.
He was suspended as nationwide captain and arrested, however was freed on bail in January and Nepal then lifted his ban on enjoying.
Below his bail circumstances, Lamichhane is ready to journey overseas.
Within the capital Kathmandu there may be pleasure concerning the qualifiers, with many followers on social media backing the inclusion of Lamichhane — and solely a small quantity in opposition to it.
Nepal go into the qualifying match with momentum.
They received 11 of their final 12 matches to take third spot in World Cup League 2 and attain the match in Zimbabwe.
High-order batsman Aasif Sheikh instructed the Worldwide Cricket Council that there was confidence inside the squad.
“We consider that if we play our greatest cricket on that day, we’re going to win,” he mentioned.
Khanal was extra measured, calling Nepal’s hopes of reaching the World Cup “an extended shot”, earlier than including: “However we’re assured that our staff’s efficiency shall be excellent.”
A part of Nepal’s success has come from enjoying in entrance of packed homes at their house Tribhuvan College Cricket Floor — one thing they won’t be able to depend on in Zimbabwe.
“Our staff exhibits extraordinary efficiency when they’re enjoying within the house floor, however when in a international stadium, the efficiency has not remained passable,” Khanal mentioned.
“One other weak point is our overreliance on two or three gamers — together with Sandeep Lamichhane — which shouldn’t have been the case.”
After assembly Zimbabwe in Harare, Nepal will play america, the West Indies and the Netherlands as they attempt to make their World Cup goals come true.
On Tuesday they suffered a three-wicket defeat to fellow World Cup hopefuls the UAE in a warm-up match in Harare.
(With inputs from AFP)
