Sports

Sandeep Lamichhane's Four-Wicket Spell Puts Nepal on Top Against Hong Kong in ACC Premier Cup

By PN Vishnu

Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane produced a standout bowling performance against Hong Kong in an ACC Premier Cup match played in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. At the time of writing, Hong Kong were 215 for 7 after 48 overs, with Lamichhane finishing his 10-over spell with figures of 4 for 44. Lamichhane was introduced into the attack after Nepal's opening bowlers had already removed Anshuman Rath and Zeeshan Ali. Sher Malla accounted for both Hong Kong openers, leaving Babar Hayat at the crease as Hong Kong attempted to steady their innings. Lamichhane picked up his first wicket in the 15th over, bowling Kalhan Challu for nine off 12 balls, which included one boundary. The dismissal left Hong Kong at 64 for 4 and broke Challu's partnership with Hayat. The spinner struck again soon after, dismissing Kinchit Shah for a duck. Shah was stumped by wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh after facing just two deliveries, with the dismissal occurring at the end of the 12th over when Hong Kong were 52 for 3. Lamichhane then removed Hong Kong captain Yasim Murtaza, who was caught by Dev Khanal in the 19th over after scoring five runs off 13 balls without hitting a boundary. That wicket left Hong Kong at 80 for 5. Lamichhane completed his four-wicket haul in the 31st over by having Aizaz Khan adjudged leg before wicket. Aizaz had scored nine runs off 15 deliveries, including one four, before being dismissed with the score at 133 for 7. That proved to be Lamichhane's final wicket, as he did not take another in the remainder of his 10-over spell. The 26-year-old has been in strong form throughout the tournament, having taken 5 for 14 against Bahrain, 1 for 22 against Malaysia, and 3 for 19 against Saudi Arabia in Nepal's earlier matches.