Nepal in World Cup qualifiers after IPL sensation Sandip Lamichhane’s heroics

Sandip Lamichhane, who will be the first-ever Nepalese IPL player in April with the Delhi Daredevils, took 2-40 as Canada posted 194-8 from their 50 overs. He was later involved in a 51-run stand for the final wicket with Karan KC

Young leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane starred with bat and ball as Nepal claimed a thrilling one-wicket win over Canada on Wednesday to book a place at next month’s 2019 cricket World Cup qualifying tournament.

Nepal players celebrate after the fall of a Canadian batsman in a World Cricket League Division Two match. (ICC)

The United Arab Emirates will also compete in Zimbabwe for a place at next year’s tournament in England and Wales, after edging out Namibia by 19 runs.

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On the final day of the World Cricket League Division Two group stage in Namibia, Nepal were indebted to an unbroken 51-run stand for the final wicket between tailenders Lamichhane and Karan KC, who hit the winning run off the final ball as they chased down 195.

The 17-year-old Lamichhane, who will be the first-ever Nepalese IPL player in April with the Delhi Daredevils, had earlier taken 2-40 as Canada posted 194-8 from their 50 overs.

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Nepal have never reached the World Cup, while the UAE are looking to qualify for the second successive edition.

Nepal will take on Papua New Guinea, Ireland, the Netherlands and two-time World Cup winners West Indies in Group A of qualifying, with the UAE to face Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Scotland and Hong Kong in Group B.