16th October 2025, Kathmandu
Sandeep Lamichhane, Highest Wicket-Taker – This key phrase headlines the remarkable qualification story of Nepal and Oman for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Sandeep Lamichhane Nepal’s Highest Wicket-Taker
The Nepalese leg-spinner has been a dominant force, playing a central role in his team’s success in the Asia-EAP Qualifier.
Lamichhane Leads the Attack as Nepal Qualifies. Nepal and Oman officially secured two of the three available spots for the global tournament even before their Super Six clash in Al Amerat.
Their qualification was mathematically confirmed after the UAE convincingly defeated Samoa, a result that assured both teams a top-three finish in the Super Six stage.
At the heart of Nepal’s flawless run has been their star wrist-spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane.
The figures speak for themselves: Lamichhane has been the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, bagging an impressive ten wickets in four innings at a brilliant average of 9.40 and an economy rate of under six.
Five-Star Performance Seals the DealHis most crucial contribution came in the nail-biting encounter against Qatar 6 Chasing 148, Qatar looked well-placed before Lamichhane spun a web, delivering a match-winning spell of 5 for 18.8.
This spectacular five-wicket haul triggered a Qatari collapse, ensuring Nepal clinched a narrow victory and maintained their unblemished record.
Such performances underscore why Sandeep Lamichhane Highest Wicket-Taker, has become synonymous with Nepal’s qualification campaign.
UAE Eyes the Final SpotWith Nepal and Oman at the top of the Super Six points table, separated only by net run rate, the focus now shifts to the battle for the final qualifying spot.
The UAE is currently well-positioned in third place with four points and is set to face Japan in a crucial fixture on October 16th.
While Lamichhane has stolen the bowling spotlight, Oman’s left-arm seamer Jiten Ramanandi has also impressed, ranking as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with seven strikes in four innings at an economy rate of 5.90.
His consistency, alongside the brilliance of the Nepalese star, highlights the high quality of cricket played in the Qualifier.
The journey to the 2026 T20 World Cup is complete for Nepal and Oman, largely due to a team effort anchored by the sensational bowling of the tournament’s standout performer.