Stepping to bowl in his first Big Bash League over, Lamichhane got Sydney Thunder's Captain Shane Watson's wicket in his second delivery. Watson was caught by Nick Larkin at the long on.
In the same over, Lamichhane was able to send Callum Ferguson packing for 15.
Despite his efforts of taking two wickets and giving away 36 runs in 4 overs, his team Melbourne Stars ended up losing the rain delayed game.
Lamichhane, a Micheal Clarke protege, first came to light when they both participated in a tournament in Hong Kong. Clarke was said to be so impressed by the young teenager that he invited Lamichhane to Sydney in 2016 to train and play at his club.
"My dream is to play in BBL," Lamichhane told the media then.
After Lamichbane's great start withMelbourne Stars, Clarke tweeted "Dreams do come true".
As Lamichhane was getting ready to play his first BBL game, he found himself embroiled in a social media dispute focussing on his personality, behaviour and ethics as a sporting icon.
Sandeep Lamichhane with Western Suburb captain Michael Clarke Source: Getty
Allegations surfaced in social media accusing him of disrespecting some Nepali community members during festivities organised last Saturday in Melbourne.
On 19 December, Norgen Norboo voiced his opinion on Facebook (which he has replaced since with the one below) where he accused the 18-year-old rising cricketing star from Nepal of showing off too much attitude during Nepal Festival Parade on the weekend.
Lamichhane, posting his response on Twitter, has vehemently denied all accusations. He wrote, "...single line of this story (Facebook Post by Norgen Norbóó ) isn't true."
Norboo, speaking with SBS Nepali says he just wanted to highlight the "halo syndrome" that many A-listers and other visiting Nepali dignitaries suffer from during their overseas visit.
"In my previous capacities as the office bearer of various Nepali community organisations, I have come across many celebrities, sporting heroes, politicians and alike."
"They all come with a being above-all mentality. It was same with Sandeep as well, unfortunately."
He further stated, the post was his interpretation of what he felt and was not intended to dislodge Sandeep from his important task of performing well in the upcoming series.
"NAV and Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have together bought over 300 tickets to see and support Sandeep at a match being played on 10 February. We wanted to support him and rally behind our hero - but he needs to chill and be polite."
His manager Raman Shiwakoti argues it is all due to some misunderstanding between the various parties involved.
Talking to SBS Nepali, he said, "There has been some misunderstanding. Sandeep is in Australia to play cricket, and that is his priority.
Rising cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane poses for a photo during Nepal Festival Parade in Melbourne on 15 December 2018. Source: Srijana Ghimire
Even on the day of the Parade, Sandeep had squeezed in an hour out of his training to join the Nepali community. He had training right after the event."
Tara Gaire, President of the Nepalese Association of Victoria, the community organisation which organised the Nepal Parade on 15 December, told SBS Nepali that he agreed that communication between his organisation and Lamichhane had had some issues.
"We as a not-for-profit community organisation based in Melbourne had sought agreement from the Melbourne Stars for making Sandeep available for various community initiatives. Participating in the Nepal Parade was one of them," said Gaire.
"The Club was happy to release him for a couple of hours despite his training and other commitments at the cricket club."
Is it all about money?
"No," says manager Shiwakoti. He clarified Lamichhane is in Australia to play for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League and as such Sandeep has to focus on his performance to justify his inclusion in the squad.
Gaire says NAV and the whole Nepali community wants Lamichhane to do well in the tournament. "We wanted to make Sandeep feel he's amongst his own people," he said.
NAV President Tara Gaire Source: SBS Nepali
"If he could participate in a few community events and inspire children from a Nepali background in Australia by being a role model, that was all we wanted."
Gaire has contradicted Shiwakoti's claim that it was not about the money. Gaire told SBS Nepali Shiwakoti wanted an appearance fee for Sandeep to show up in the parade as Shiwakoti bickered any event supported by sponsors attracted such charges. Gaire says he has evidence to support his side of the story.
Regardless, it is clear, everyone wants Lamichhane to do well in his campaign and make all Nepalis proud.
SBS has contacted Melbourne Stars for their comment.
