Kagiso Rabada Says SA Wary Of Nepal’s Mystery Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane
Lamichhane is been included in NEP's squad for WI leg (x.com)
Kagiso Rabada has claimed that his South African teammates are wary of the threat Nepal’s mystery spinner Sandeep Lamichhane will likely pose in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup clash between the two nations.
Lamichhane, who played his last competitive match back in December 2023 during the Nepal Pro Club Championship, has joined the Nepal squad in West Indies for the ongoing global T20 event.
The 23-year-old spin wizard holds a legion of experience in the format, having played 144 matches including 52 internationals for Nepal.
Earlier this month, Lamichhane was ruled out of Nepal’s USA leg of the T20 World Cup 2024 owing to a visa dispute following a legal acquittal.
Rabada says SA looking forward for Lamichhane challenge
South Africa is set to go up against Nepal in their final Group D match of the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 15 at Kingstown’s Arnos Vale Ground.
Prior to the much-awaited contest, senior Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada spoke in high regards about Nepal’s comeback man Sandeep Lamichhane, even describing the latter as a ‘mystery spinner’.
While speaking during the pre-match press conference, Rabada stated that while Lamichhane will be a tough commodity to handle, his South African teammates are looking forward to counter the leg-spinner.
“He's a mystery spinner, so any mystery spinner is going to be tough to play. But I know the guys are really looking forward to facing that challenge," KG Rabada said.
Kagiso Rabada also added that South Africa will not be taking Nepal lightly in their final Group D match of the tournament.
South Africa, under the leadership of Aiden Markram, qualified for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 after registering emphatic wins over Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Bangladesh in successive Group D games.
A win over Nepal will help South Africa finish the league stage at the top of the Group D points table.