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SHARJAH: Asif Sheikh and Sandeep Jora’s brisk half-centuries, followed by a clinical bowling performance powered Nepal to a historic T20I series win over two-time World Champions West Indies here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.
With this victory, Nepal claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match remaining.
This marks the first time that Nepal has beaten a Test-playing nation in a bilateral series. Notably, Nepal failed to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025.
Set 174, West Indies were skittled for a mere 83 runs in 17.1 overs.
West Indies’ chase started on a shaky note as they lost their opening wickets inside the first three overs. Jewel Andrew was bowled by Dipendra Singh Airee after scoring two, whereas Karan KC removed Keacy Carty, who scored one.
Nepal continued to pile up the pressure as Mohammad Aadil Alam got the better of Kyle Mayers in the seventh over. Mayers managed to add just six to the total. As a result, they were reduced to 23-3.
The slide continued as Nepal bowlers continued to tear through the middle order, with Jason Holder emerging as a top-scorer. The all-rounder made 21 from 15 with the help of two sixes in an otherwise shambolic batting display.
Eventually, Zishan Motara’s wicket on the first ball of the seventeenth over gave Nepal a memorable series victory.
For Nepal, Mohammad Aadil Alam picked up four wickets in his four overs while giving away 24 runs. Kushal Bhurtel was also excellent with the ball, taking three wickets in just 2.1 overs.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Nepal racked up 173-6 in their 20 overs, thanks to an outstanding batting display from Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora.
Nepal were 43-3 in 6.4 overs when the duo paired up and arrested the slide. The pair forged a century stand and put their team in a commanding position.
Asif hit eight fours and two sixes in his knock, while Jora’s innings was laced with five sixes and three fours.
For West Indies, Akeal Hosein and Kyle Mayers picked up two wickets.
Playing XIs
Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Kushal Malla, Gulsan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Mohammad Aadil Alam, Lalit Rajbanshi.
West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Amir Jangoo(w), Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Navin Bidaisee, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein(c), Zishan Motara, Jediah Blades.
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