Nepal vs West Indies: Nepal’s Historic T20I Triumph

A Landmark Victory in Nepal’s Cricketing Journey

Nepal etched their name in cricketing history with a remarkable 19-run victory over the West Indies in Sharjah — their first-ever win against a Full Member nation in international cricket. While they had previously beaten Afghanistan in a T20I in 2014, Afghanistan were still an Associate member at the time. This triumph marked a new era, as Nepal proved they belong on the big stage.

A First of Many Firsts

This fixture was already historic before a ball was bowled — it was Nepal’s maiden T20I against the West Indies and the beginning of their first-ever bilateral series against a Full Member. The occasion became even more special as Nepal outperformed the two-time T20 World Champions in every department: batting, bowling, and fielding.

🔥 Nepal’s Innings: A Team Effort that Paid Off

A Shaky Start Recovered by Key Middle-Order Contributions

Nepal’s innings began unsteadily, with both openers dismissed within the first 3.1 overs. Kushal Bhurtel fell victim to Akeal Hosein’s sharp arm ball, and Aasif Sheikh misjudged a lofted shot off Jason Holder.

Despite the slow start — just two boundaries in the powerplay — Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla injected life into the innings. Paudel struck back-to-back boundaries off debutant Ramon Simmonds, while Malla played the role of aggressor, launching Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy for sixes that helped Nepal reach 68 for 2 at the halfway mark.

Lower-Order Strikes and West Indies’ Inconsistent Fielding

A solid 58-run partnership between Paudel (38) and Malla (30) was broken by debutant leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee, who impressed with figures of 3 for 29. Jason Holder then rattled Nepal’s lower order with three wickets in the 19th over, finishing with 4 for 20.

Yet, thanks to some loose fielding from West Indies — ranging from brilliant catches to frustrating drops — Nepal managed to post a competitive 148 for 8.

🎯 The Chase: West Indies Falter Under Pressure

A Promising Start Quickly Derailed

West Indies’ chase began brightly with a first-ball boundary by Kyle Mayers, but a direct-hit run-out by Bhurtel ended his stay early, setting the tone for the innings. Debutant Ackeem Auguste showed flashes of brilliance with two clean sixes, but fell before the powerplay ended.

At 40 for 2 after six overs, West Indies still seemed in control — until Nepal’s spinners took over.

Nepal’s Spinners Spin a Web

Rohit Paudel and Lalit Rajbanshi stifled the run flow, conceding only 16 runs in the next four overs and picking up crucial wickets. The mounting pressure led to poor shot selection and miscommunication between batters.

A moment of brilliance from Dipendra Singh Airee, who ran out Keacy Carty with a bullet throw, shifted the momentum fully in Nepal’s favor. West Indies never recovered.

Final Overs: A Too-Late Surge

With 93 required off the final ten overs and big-hitter Jason Holder dismissed for just 5, the task became insurmountable. Despite some late hitting from Bidaisee, Allen, and Hosein, the West Indies were always behind the required rate.

Even two missed catches in the 18th over — both offering life to Hosein — couldn’t help them turn the game. Karan KC removed Hosein shortly after, and Allen was left needing an impossible 28 from the final over.

Nepal sealed the deal, restricting West Indies to 129 for 9, and celebrated a truly momentous win by 19 runs.

🌟 A New Chapter Begins

This win is more than just a line in the scorebook — it’s a statement. Nepal’s cricketing maturity, discipline, and self-belief were on full display. Against a side with World Cup pedigree, they showed they are no longer underdogs, but emerging contenders on the global stage.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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