Kathmandu, September 14
Nepali cricket team captain Sandeep Lamichhane said the team fulfilled the promise it made before leaving for Malaysia by returning home with the ACC Premier Cup trophy.
The Nepali team returned home on Sunday night after winning the ACC Premier Cup and securing a place in the Asia Cup.
Speaking to reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport, Lamichhane thanked the Nepali supporters who travelled to Malaysia to back the team as well as those who supported them from across the country.
“When we left, we had made a promise — to return to Nepal with the trophy. Today, we have been able to fulfil that promise. This is the result of the love and support of all Nepali fans,” he said.
Lamichhane also dedicated the team’s victory to Nepalis affected by the floods, saying the team was happy to have brought some joy to the country during a difficult period.
“We are all very happy. At a time when the country is going through sorrow, I feel we were able to bring some happiness to Nepalis through cricket,” he said. “This title and this achievement are dedicated to all those who lost their lives in the floods, as a tribute to them.”
Lamichhane said Nepal’s defeat against Hong Kong in the group stage was an exception and that the team performed strongly throughout the tournament.
Recalling Nepal’s semifinal against Oman, where the team successfully defended a target of 147 runs, he said the score did not reflect Nepal’s actual batting potential but the team’s collective effort made the victory possible.
“We focused on basic cricket. In the semifinal against Oman, our mindset was to treat every ball and every moment as if it were the final. Every bowler made an exceptional effort and every player played their role. That is why we were able to win,” he said.
He said a score of 180–200 could have been ideal on the wicket, but once Nepal had posted 147, the team knew it could get back into the game by taking two or three early wickets.
“We knew that if we could take two or three wickets early, we could get back into the game. Everyone gave their best,” he said.
Lamichhane, who was named Player of the Tournament, said the team’s success was more important than his individual award.
“This is not an individual achievement; it is a victory for the country. I am happy to be named Man of the Tournament, but Dipendra, Bashir, Gulshan, Karan, Aasif and Rohit all contributed equally. The credit goes to the entire team,” he said.
He also praised the coaching staff, physiotherapists, trainers, analysts, managers and other members of the support staff, describing them as the “heroes behind the scenes.”
According to Lamichhane, the team will resume preparations after a short break. With qualification for the Asia Cup secured, he said the Asian Games will also be one of the team’s major targets.
“We will rest for a day or two and then begin preparations again. The Asia Cup is there, but before that, the Asian Games are also a major target for us,” he said.
Nepal secured its place in the Asia Cup for the second time by winning the ACC Premier Cup.
