Sharjah, September 27, 2025 – In a historic moment for cricket, Nepal stunned West Indies by 19 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
This was Nepal’s first-ever victory over a full-member Test nation, making it a night to remember for their players and fans alike.
Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal posted 148/8 in 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 38 off 35 balls, while useful contributions came from Kushal Malla, Gulshan Jha, and Dipendra Singh Airee. Despite a disciplined spell from Jason Holder (4/20) and Navin Bidaisee (3/29), Nepal fought hard to cross the 140-mark.
In reply, West Indies faltered under pressure and could manage only 129/9 in 20 overs. Nepal’s bowlers displayed precision, with Kushal Bhurtel starring by taking 2/17 in four overs. Except for Sompal Kami, every bowler chipped in with wickets, showing a true team effort. Nandan Yadav, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Rohit Paudel all struck crucial blows, while Nepal’s sharp fielding produced two run-outs that derailed the Windies’ chase.
For West Indies, Navin Bidaisee’s 22 was the top score, but the batting lineup struggled to gain momentum. Akeal Hosein admitted after the game that his team had given away 15 extra runs and failed to set a strong batting platform. He nevertheless praised Nepal’s energy and fielding standards.
Paudel, named Player of the Match, dedicated the victory to those affected by recent tragedies back home. He emphasized that Nepal had matched the West Indies in intensity and that this result was just the beginning of bigger goals. He urged his teammates to stay grounded ahead of the second T20I, scheduled for September 29.
Kushal Bhurtel also expressed pride in the historic win, noting that the joy it would bring to fans in both Nepal and Dubai was immeasurable. He credited the bowlers for holding their nerve and restricting a powerful side like West Indies.
This triumph marks a defining milestone for Nepal cricket, proving that Associate nations can compete and succeed on the global stage.