Nepali leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane credited his teammates for giving yet another impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the teen bowler took 1-21 against Chennai Super Kings in Delhi Daredevils’ 34-run victory on Friday.

Lamichhane, who made his IPL debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore, was once again at his best as he put Chennai batsmen in his spin conceding just over five runs an over and play a crucial hand in Daredevils’ victory. Already out from the playoff contention, the match was all about restoring pride for Daredevils.

Rishab Pant (38), Vijay Shankar and Harshal Patel – 36 not out each – contributed with the bat leading Daredevils to 162-5 in 20 overs. Veteran leggie Amit Mishra (2-20) and Trent Boult (2-20) were ably supported by Lamichhane and man-of-the-match Patel (1-23) to restrict Chennai to 128-6.

Lamichhane was credited for turning the match around when he enticed IPL legend Suresh Raina with a fuller ball but the left hander failed to pick the googly properly and holed out a catch at deep midwicket to Vijay Shankar. Reduced to 90-3 after Raina’s dismissal, Chennai batsmen failed to produce the fire required at the closing stages.

The 17-year old Lamichhane, however, remained modest in the post match presentation when asked if he had turned the game around. “The way every player contributed in this match helped me get motivated to bowl on the right areas so that I can take some chances. I think they (Chennai) were well set at that time and I was trying to ball my best deliveries. Then we got the wicket we were looking for,” said Lamichhane.

Lamichhane had a brilliant start in the game after Shane Watson managed just two runs in the second over. Dhoni and Raina only managed to collect six singles in his second over, before the third over fetched him a wicket while giving away just two runs. Ravindra Jadeja hit a six off

the first ball off Lamichhane’s last over but the bowler made comeback conceding five runs in next five.

Lamichhane was later adjudged the stylish player of the match. The spinner had also bowled impressively against Bangalore conceding 25 runs and picking up a wicket of Parthiv Patel. South African batsman AB de Villiers was particularly impressed by the calmness and control shown by the Nepali cricketer.

Daredevils are all but confirmed to finish their campaign at the pit bottom of the standings with eight points from 13 matches. They host Mumbai Indians at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Sunday and with the kind of performance that Lamichhane has been giving, a place in the playing XI in the last match is on the cards for him.