Nepal cricket created history on Saturday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, defeating two-time world champions West Indies by 19 runs in the opening T20I. The result not only gave Nepal their first-ever win against a Full ICC Member but also underlined their steady rise in international cricket.
A Landmark Victory for Nepal
It took 180 international matches for Nepal to register their maiden win over a Full Member nation, and they did it in style. Skipper Rohit Paudel’s side defended 148 with superb discipline, dismissing the West Indies for 129/9 in 20 overs.
“This is just the beginning of something special for Nepal cricket,” Paudel said after the match. “Beating a Test-playing side is a dream come true. We dedicate this victory to the martyrs who participated in last month’s protests back home.”
Nepal’s Batting Holds Firm
Sent in to bat, Nepal lost early wickets with the score at 12/2, but Paudel (38 off 31) and Kushal Malla (30 off 21) steadied the innings with a 58-run stand. Contributions from Dipendra Singh Airee (24) and Gulsan Jha helped Nepal reach a competitive 148/8.
West Indies pacer Jason Holder was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 4/20, including three wickets in the penultimate over that threatened to derail Nepal’s innings.
Bhurtel’s Run-Out Sets the Tone
Chasing 149, the West Indies innings was rattled in the second over itself when Kushal Bhurtel’s direct hit ran out Kyle Mayers for just 5. Debutant Ackeem Auguste (15) tried to counterattack with a pair of sixes, but Nepal’s spinners soon tightened the grip.
- Bhurtel, who had already starred in the field, also took two wickets.
- Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, and Lalit Rajbanshi chipped in with one wicket each.
- Navin Bidaisee top-scored for West Indies with 22 off 25 but found little support.
From sharp fielding to disciplined bowling, Nepal ensured the Caribbean side never got momentum.
West Indies Left Searching for Answers
Skipper Akeal Hosein admitted his side had fallen short in execution:
“We probably gave away 15 runs too many. Their fielding and two run-outs broke our momentum. We need to set a stronger platform going forward.”
The visitors were left frustrated not just by Nepal’s accuracy with the ball but also by their own sloppy catching, which allowed crucial partnerships to flourish.
“A Win for the Nation” – Paudel
After being named Player of the Match, Paudel dedicated the win to Nepalese citizens:
“Back home, people are going through difficult times. If this victory brings them even a little happiness, then it means the world to us.”
His words echoed the emotions of a nation that has long waited to see their team take down a cricketing giant.
- Nepal’s first T20I victory against a Full Member will be remembered as a defining milestone.
- It came against a team with two T20 World Cup titles, making the achievement even more significant.
- The result also gives Nepal a 1-0 lead in their maiden bilateral series against the West Indies.
As the two sides prepare for the second T20I on Monday (September 29), West Indies will be desperate to bounce back, while Nepal will eye a historic series win.