Nepal stun cricketing world, defeating West Indies by 19 runs in T20I to register first win against a Full Member.
Nepal’s historic 19-run victory over West Indies in the first T20I at Sharjah marks a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, resonating far beyond the field and into the hearts of millions who have waited for this breakthrough on the international stage. For a country where cricket has not been celebrated in the past, this milestone is a confirmation of years of relentless progress, talent, and gritty ambition.
How Nepal clinched their first win against a full member
Nepal locked horns with two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies on September 27 in the first game of a three-match series at Sharjah. The Windies, opting to field, believed they could chase down any target Nepal would set. When Nepal struggled early, reduced to 12 for 2 inside four overs with Aasif Sheikh and opener Kushal Bhurtel back in the pavilion, the early signs were grim.
However, they gained momentum when captain Rohit Paudel, a beacon for Nepalese cricket in recent years, compiled a composed 38 off 35 balls. Supporting him, Kushal Malla contributed a brisk 30 from 21 balls, while Gulsan Jha chipped in with 22 off 16 to haul Nepal to a competitive 148 for 8 in 20 overs, even as Jason Holder threatened to derail the middle order with figures of 4 for 20.
Defending their total, Nepal delivered a fielding and bowling performance loaded with discipline. The tone was set in the second over when Kushal Bhurtel ran out Kyle Mayers for just five, a moment that ignited belief in the side. The Windies, unable to build momentum, lost wickets in clusters, Navin Bidaisee top-scoring with only 22.
Kushal Bhurtel starred with the ball as well, bagging 2 for 17, while Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Paudel himself all contributed with timely wickets. With alert fielding and regular scalps, Nepal restricted the West Indies to 129 for 9, sealing a 19-run win and their first victory against an ICC Full Member nation after 180 international matches.
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Nepal’s journey in recent years
Nepal’s cricket odyssey over the past decade has been one of resilience, talent, and steady rise through adversity. After debuting in the T20 World Cup in 2014, Nepal gained ODI status in 2018 and returned to the T20 World Cup in 2024, marking major milestones for an Associate Member nation. The period from 2023 to 2025 saw Nepal’s cricketing infrastructure mature, with high-profile Nepal Premier League games drawing both homegrown talents and international stars.
Recent achievements include a victorious ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2023 campaign, which secured Nepal’s berth at the 2023 Asia Cup, providing them with valuable exposure against powerhouses such as India and Pakistan. Their Asia Cup campaign, though challenging, was hailed for the grit and flair on display, earning them respect and fanfare both domestically and abroad.
The introduction of franchise leagues, increased ICC funding, and the gradual return of fans to the stadiums have built momentum around the sport. Coaching stints from international experts and the tireless work of domestic administrators have brought key innovations in fitness and game awareness, laying the foundation for results like the Sharjah upset.
What this victory means for Nepal
This win is nothing short of transformative for Nepali cricket and its passionate followers. By defeating a storied Full Member like the West Indies, Nepal has not only silenced its doubters but has also elevated its profile among cricketing nations. As stated by the president of the Cricket Association of Nepal, this is a historic moment that “elevates our players’ status in the cricketing arena.”
The broader significance is that Nepal can now look forward to greater investment, higher-profile fixtures, and a new generation of fans and players taking to the game. For the players, this triumph is validation of their skills and a shot of confidence heading into future battles with cricket’s elite.
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