Nepal will be led by one of the youngest skippers in global cricket, Sandeep Lamichhane. Leg spinner is quite positive about his role and team’s preparation for the upcoming big event to qualify for next ICC Ment’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
“We have a talented and balanced side that can qualify as the best two teams,” Sandeep said.
“We see our chances as good to qualify. In this format, it doesn’t matter if we play against a Test-playing rival or Associate nation. Nepal will be a tough team to beat as we have a good mix of senior and youngsters. As a captain, I think that there is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, and I would love to make it a memorable one. It is our dream to play in the World Cup. I don’t think being a young captain would be an issue as I have the full support of my seniors. I am blessed to have them around them.”
Lamichhane said the team under coach Pubudu Dassanayake of Sri Lanka, who returned to take charge last year, has bonded well: “The players have benefitted a lot under him. We are ready for the Qualifiers and the players are proud to represent the nation and make history by qualifying for the first time since 2014.”
Nepal and Oman are expected to face tough opposition from Canada, who are aiming for their first berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Eight nations – Nepal, Ireland, UAE, Canada, Germany, Philippines, Bahrain, and hosts Oman will play for the two spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from February 18-24.
