Nepal Script History, Defeat West Indies To Register First-Ever Win Against Full Member Nation | Cricket News

Nepal made history on Saturday night, defeating West Indies in Sharjah to secure their first-ever win against a Full Member team across formats. Led by Rohit Paudel, Nepal stunned the two-time World Champions in the opening T20I, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The beginning of their first bilateral series against a Full Member started on a high note. Nepal had defeated Afghanistan in a T20I back in 2014, but at that time, Afghanistan was still an Associate Member.

Nepal delivered an all-round performance to surprise the West Indies, with contributions from all areas. Six batsmen hit sixes, six bowlers took wickets, and the fielding was sharp enough to turn the game in Nepal’s favour.

Their innings, however, began shakily. Both openers were dismissed inside 3.1 overs, and by the end of the powerplay, Nepal had only two boundaries. Captain Rohit Paudel revived the innings with consecutive fours off debutant Ramon Simmonds, but it was Kushal Malla who truly shifted the momentum.

The pair added 58 runs before both were dismissed by debutant leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee, who ended with impressive figures of 3 for 29. Gulsan Jha and Dipendra Singh Airee tried to maintain the momentum, but wickets continued to fall. In the penultimate over, Jason Holder struck thrice as Nepal posted 148 for 8.

The chase began with a boundary from Kyle Mayers, but the West Indies soon stumbled. Bhurtel’s sharp direct hit sent Mayers packing, and though debutant Ackeem Auguste hit two sixes, he too was dismissed in the powerplay.

At 40 for 2, West Indies were still in contention, but Nepal’s spinners tightened their grip. Airee’s brilliant fielding ran out Keacy Carty, while Bhurtel dismissed Holder cheaply. Even late efforts from Akeal Hosein couldn’t save the hosts, as Karan KC bowled him out. With Fabian Allen needing 28 off the final 20 balls, the target proved too steep.

Nepal’s collective effort secured a famous victory. They will return to square off against the Windies on Monday, September 29, in the second T20I of the series.