Nepal seal historic win over West Indies, first against full-member

SHARJAH: Nepal cricket scripted history on Saturday as they claimed their maiden victory over a full-member ICC nation, defeating West Indies by 19 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Asked to bat first, Nepal overcame early setbacks to post 148/8 in their 20 overs. Both openers, Kushal Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (3), departed cheaply, leaving the side reeling at 12-2 inside four overs.

Skipper Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla steadied the innings with a 58-run stand for the third wicket before falling in quick succession.

Paudel top-scored with a composed 38 off 35 balls, while Malla’s brisk 30 from 21 deliveries featured two fours and two sixes.

Gulshan Jha (22) and Dipendra Singh Airee (17) added valuable runs in the later overs to push Nepal to a competitive total.

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Jason Holder starred with the ball for West Indies, returning impressive figures of 4-20. Navin Bidaisee chipped in with three wickets while Akeal Hosein managed one.

In reply, the West Indies faltered against a disciplined Nepalese attack and were restricted to 129-9 in their 20 overs.

Bidaisee top-scored with 22 off 25 balls, while Amir Jangoo and Fabian Allen contributed 19 runs apiece.

Nepal’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Bhurtel taking two wickets. Rajbanshi, Nandan Yadav, Karan KC, Airee and Paudel all picked up one each to seal a famous win.

For his all-round display, captain Rohit Paudel was named Player of the Match, marking a proud moment for Nepal cricket as they registered a landmark triumph against a Test-playing nation.

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