Nepal players arrive home to hero's welcome

Nepal's cricketers have been given a hero's welcome on their return from the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

The team, who won two matches during the tournament and achieved ODI status through to 2022 in the process, were greeted by a huge crowd of delirious fans after they touched down at Tribhuwan International Airport.

Three consecutive defeats in the group stage of the CWCQ ended Nepal's chances of qualification for the Super Sixes, but a win over Hong Kong in the last Group B game and then victory over Papua New Guinea in their playoff gave their campaign the result they craved, even though they signed off with a loss against the Netherlands.

As a result of their performances, Nepal's many enthusiastic supporters – who flocked to the airport in their droves to offer their vocal support for what the players had done – can look forward to their 50-over matches having full ODI status for the next four years at least.

Seventeen-year-old leg-spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane was one of the finds of the tournament. He picked up 13 wickets and played a crucial role in both of Nepal's victories. His 3/17 against Hong Kong helped set up a win chasing just 154, and his 4/29 against PNG skittled the opposition for 114 to put Nepal in charge.

Photos: Himal Dangal