Nepal produced the biggest moment in their cricketing history on Saturday night in Sharjah, pulling off a 19-run victory over West Indies to register their first-ever win against a Full Member nation. For a team that couldn’t make it to the Asia Cup, this was a result is a massive, that too, against two-time World T20 Champions.
It was Nepal’s first T20I meeting with the West Indies, their first bilateral series against a Full Member, and they made it unforgettable by outplaying the Windies in every department. Six of their batters cleared the ropes, six of their bowlers picked up wickets, and the fielding, marked by direct hits and bullet throws, never let the Caribbean side settle.
Rohit Paudel and Malla steady, bowlers seal history
Opting to bowl first, West Indies made early inroads through Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein, reducing Nepal to 12 for 2. But captain Rohit Paudel (38 off 35) and Kushal Malla (30 off 21) stitched together a vital 58-run stand. Their partnership gave Nepal momentum after a sluggish start, while Gulsan Jha and Dipendra Singh Airee added valuable runs in the middle overs. Holder was outstanding with 4 for 20, and debutant Navin Bidaisee impressed with 3 for 29, but sloppy catching meant Nepal still finished with a competitive 148 for 8.
Chasing 149, the West Indies innings never took shape. Kyle Mayers was run out early, debutant Ackeem Auguste’s cameo ended quickly, and the spinners tightened the screws. Kushal Bhurtel starred with 2 for 17, while Paudel, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Dipendra Airee, and Nandan Yadav all chipped in. West Indies, despite a late charge from Fabian Allen (19) and Akeal Hosein (18 off 9), folded to 129 for 9.
Nepal’s discipline was the story of the night. Their bowlers held their nerve, the fielders pulled off crucial run-outs, and when Hosein threatened at the death, Karan KC snuffed out the fight. Paudel was named Player of the Match for his 38 with the bat and wicket of Jewel Andrew.
