Lich vs Sand King

How this matchup plays

Blinking on Lich seems like a free kill, but the reality is more complicated. Frost Shield is the main reason Sand King struggles here. It reduces the incoming damage on the Burrowstrike target, often preventing a quick kill from the follow-up and making the whole initiation less effective. On top of that, the shield's slow and Lich's own Frost Blast make it frustrating for Sand King to chase or reposition after using his spells. He's a hero who wants to get in, do his damage, and either escape or keep fighting, and Lich's kit makes all of those options more difficult.

Across the game, this dynamic forces Sand King to change his priorities. Instead of just looking for the best multi-hero stun, he often has to focus Lich first to prevent Frost Shield from ruining his combo on a more important core. A successful Sand King will try to initiate from fog where Lich can't react in time. Lich, in turn, needs to position himself carefully on the edge of fights, staying safe while being ready to protect whichever ally gets jumped. His Chain Frost can also be a decent punishment if Sand King clumps up with his own team after blinking in.