How Nepal Pulled Off a Historic Victory
When the West Indies won the toss and elected to field, few expected Nepal to muster a total that would keep the Caribbean chase at bay. Yet the Nepalese side posted 148 for 8 in their full 20 overs, a score that proved just enough to seal a 19‑run win. The match, played under the lights at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, marked the first T20I of a three‑game series and immediately put Nepal in the driver’s seat.
The innings started shakily – Nepal slipped to 34 for 2 inside the powerplay as early wickets fell. Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for just six, and Aasif Sheikh contributed a three‑run cameo before being caught behind. That early wobble set the stage for a much‑needed recovery, and it arrived in the form of captain Rohit Paudel (21) and all‑rounder Kushal Malla (24). Their 50‑run partnership for the third wicket, built in just 40 balls, steadied the ship and pushed the total past the 50‑run mark.
By the drinks break at ten overs Nepal were 68 for 2, and the middle order kept the pressure on. Rapid runs flowed, and the side surged to 100 for 4 in the 14.3‑over mark. Though wickets fell in the death overs, contributions from Dipendra Singh Airee and Sundeep Jora helped seal a respectable 148‑run total.
West Indies’ chase never found its rhythm. After a decent start of 40 for 2 in the powerplay, they crumbled to 56 for 4 at the halfway point. The loss of key wickets at regular intervals forced the team into a frantic sprint, but the required run rate kept climbing. Even the debutants – A Jangoo, A Auguste, N Bidaisee and R Simmonds – could not turn the tide, and the visitors were eventually bowled out for 129, leaving Nepal with a 19‑run cushion.
Fielding mishaps threatened to tip the balance. Nepal dropped a couple of catches in the 17th and 19th overs – L Rajbanshi, J Andrew and others missed low‑scoring chances that gave West Indies fleeting lifelines. Still, the bowlers, led by AJ Hosein and JO Holder, kept the pressure alive and forced the crucial wickets.
The match also featured a notable officiating crew, with umpires Buddhi Pradhan and Durga Subedi on the field, Vinay Jha handling TV duties and Narayanan Kutty overseeing as match referee.
Beyond the scoreboard, the win carries weight for Nepal cricket. It’s a statement that the nation can compete – and win – against established sides on neutral ground. The 1‑0 lead sets up a compelling narrative for the next two fixtures, where West Indies will look to bounce back and Nepal will aim to cement its newfound momentum.
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