3 October, Kathmandu. Nepali National Cricket Team Captain Sandeep Lamichhane has said that he is happy to have succeeded in retaining the One Day International (ODI) status.
He returned home on Tuesday evening while talking to the media at the airport and said that he will perform better in the upcoming League 2 cycle. Although the ICC's official opinion is yet to come, according to Sandeep, Nepal's ODI recognition has been preserved.
"We went with an expectation that we would retain ODI recognition. Accordingly, we have maintained recognition. The sixth place was the place for us to reach the top, we have reached there," said Sandeep.
He said that the team has done well overall in the cricket environment that has been created for the last three to four months. Stating that the main challenge for now is to maintain ODI recognition for the next four years, he said that he will do better in the upcoming League 2 cycle.
"We could have done better. But for now ODI recognition is preserved and that is what is important. We will do better in the upcoming League 2 cycle," he said.
Sandeep said that the series against Oman and Canada had good wickets to bat on and the bowlers performed as planned. He said that he is happy as a captain and as a player, saying that the batsmen have also laid a good foundation.
Nepal won three out of four matches in the series. Nepal beat Oman in both matches and had one win and one loss against Canada.
After the series, Nepal completed all 36 games of League 2 and finished sixth with 30 points. Finishing sixth was crucial for Nepal to retain ODI status.
After League 2, Sandeep said that Nepal is performing well in the home ground about the possibility of the World Cup Qualifier playoffs being held in Nepal. He said that for that, you need to prepare well in terms of fitness and technique.
