By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Sep 27, 2025 18:50 PM • 182 views
Sharjah – Nepal etched its name in cricket history on Saturday, registering a landmark 19-run victory over two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies in the first match of their three-match T20I series. The win not only handed Nepal a 1-0 lead in the series but also marked their first-ever triumph over a full-member nation in international cricket. Set a target of 149, the West Indies faltered against Nepal's disciplined bowling attack, finishing on 129 for 9 in 20 overs. Despite being favourites, the Caribbean side never found momentum, with Amir Jango (19) and Navin Bidaisee (22) top-scoring in a modest chase. Nepal struck early when opener Kyle Mayers was run out for five by a sharp direct hit from Kushal Bhurtel in the second over. Soon after, Nandan Yadav removed Kalim Aguste (15), and wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. By the 17th over, West Indies were reeling at 94 for 7, leaving skipper Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen as their final hopes. The equation boiled down to 49 runs required from the last 18 balls. While Allen threatened briefly, Nepal's bowlers held their nerve. Karan KC, entrusted with the 19th over, sealed the contest with a brilliant spell that cost just two runs, putting the result beyond doubt.
Kushal Bhurtel was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 17 in his four overs. Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, and skipper Rohit Paudel chipped in with one wicket apiece in a collective team effort. Earlier, after being asked to bat first at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Nepal posted 148 for 8 in 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with a composed 38 off 35 balls, while Kushal Malla added 30 and Gulshan Jha provided late impetus with a brisk 22. The start, however, was far from ideal. Nepal were rocked early, losing openers Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (3) inside the first four overs to slump at 12 for 2. Paudel and Malla steadied the innings with a 58-run partnership, but neither could convert their starts into a defining knock.
West Indies' bowling was led by veteran Jason Holder, who finished with an impressive 4 for 20 from his four overs. Navin Bidaisee supported him with 3 for 29, while captain Hosein kept things tight, conceding just 18 runs and taking a wicket in his spell.
Despite some middle-order resistance, Nepal couldn't push past the 150-mark, but their bowlers ensured it was more than enough on the day.
With the historic win, Nepal now heads into Monday's second T20I with momentum firmly on their side, eyeing a series victory that would further solidify their rise on the global cricket stage.
