With a spot in the Big Bash League (BBL) semi-final on the line, the Melbourne Stars have recalled Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane following the completion of his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) stint.
The Stars are due to take on Brisbane Heat on Friday at the Gabba in what is their penultimate league clash of the season and have included Lamichhane in the 13-man squad.
The Nepalese sensation played a key part in Stars’ campaign in the early part of the season with eight wickets in his four appearances before he departed to take part in the BPL.
With his BPL engagements now over, Lamichhane has answered Stars’ call in their bid to make the semi-final. In his six matches for Sylhet Sixers in the BPL, the teenager picked up four wickets at an economy-rate of less than six runs an over.
Sandeep returns for our match v Heat tomorrow night!
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) February 7, 2019
More: https://t.co/ucBJcmhthe #TeamGreen pic.twitter.com/4Xe6TvZMW4
Currently perched in fourth spot in the league table, the Stars can seal their place in the top-four with victory over Brisbane Heat on Friday. Should they fail to do so, they will need to win their final league fixture against Sydney Sixers on Sunday to keep their chances alive.
Earlier this season, Lamichhane became the first Nepal player to earn a BBL contract and the 18-year-old has been drawing huge support from the Nepalese community in all his matches so far for the Stars.
Following the completion of his BBL stint, Lamichhane will prepare to make his bow in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where he is slated to represent the Lahore Qalandars.
