Sandeep Lamichhane: Nepal are 'aligning well' ahead of CWCL2 after UAE series draw

Sandeep Lamichhane says Nepal are moving in the right direction ahead of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series after bouncing back to level the T20I series against the UAE.

Speaking after Nepal's eight-wicket win in the second T20I at TU International Cricket Ground, Sandeep said the team had taken the challenge of performing well in home conditions seriously after failing to fully capitalise in the first game.

He said Nepal's strong start as a bowling unit made life easier for the rest of the side and credited the top-order bowlers for setting the tone early.

Sandeep also said his own recent form was the result of long-term planning and steady work. He explained that the team had put plans in place for him and that he had been trying to follow them while improving his work ethic and consistency step by step.

Looking ahead to CWCL2, Sandeep said he does not want to put extra pressure on himself by treating upcoming matches differently. He said he approaches every game as just another game and tries to enjoy the contest while doing whatever the team asks of him.

He added that everything in the group was aligning well, with the players following the plans laid out by the captain and coaching staff. Nepal, he said, are excited for the upcoming League 2 matches and believe home conditions can be an advantage if used properly.

Sandeep reserved special praise for T20I captain Dipendra Singh Airee. He described Airee as a leader who had already been setting an example on the field long before formally taking over the captaincy.

He also pointed to the PM Cup as proof of the talent coming through Nepal cricket. Sandeep said domestic tournaments are giving young players the platform to prove themselves and credited the Cricket Association of Nepal for creating those opportunities.

On the debate around separate squads for T20Is and ODIs, Sandeep stayed clear of selection matters. He said his job was to play, contribute for the team and do what the side needed from him, leaving selection questions to others.

Nepal now head into CWCL2 after sharing the UAE T20I series 1-1, with Sandeep's message clear that the group is building well and looking forward to the home ODI challenge.