ICC T20 WC: Sandeep Lamichhane Sets Record, But Nepal Falls to Bangladesh

In a decisive Group D clash at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Vincent, West Indies, Bangladesh emerged victorious over Nepal by 21 runs, securing their spot in the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup. Despite a valiant effort from Nepal, who put up a spirited bowling performance to restrict Bangladesh to 106 runs in their innings, they faltered in their chase, managing only 85 runs before being bowled out.

The match was notable for Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who etched his name in T20I history by becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in just 54 matches. Sandeep achieved this milestone during his team’s encounter against Bangladesh, where he contributed with two crucial wickets. His achievement is second only to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who achieved the feat in 53 matches.

Bangladesh, batting first after losing the toss, struggled against Nepal’s bowling attack, with Tanzim Hasan taking four wickets to disrupt their innings. Despite Bangladesh’s lower total, Nepal’s batting lineup could not capitalize on the opportunity. Kushal Malla top-scored for Nepal with 27 runs, followed by Dipendra Singh Airee with 25 runs, but the team failed to build partnerships and lost wickets regularly.

With this defeat, Nepal, along with Netherlands and Sri Lanka, exits the group stage of the T20 World Cup, while South Africa and Bangladesh progress to the next round. South Africa topped the group with eight points, followed by Bangladesh with six points.