Nepal Create History with Win over West Indies

A new shining chapter has begun in the cricketing history of Nepal. The rising Asian nation stunned the cricketing world by defeating two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies by 19 runs in Sharjah. With this victory, Nepal recorded their first-ever win over an ICC full-member nation.

Chasing a target of 149, West Indies were restricted to just 129 runs. For Nepal, this triumph is more than just a win — it is proof of their growing strength in international cricket despite limited infrastructure. Alongside the Nepal Cricket Association, organizations like Chandragiri Cricket Association have been working to promote and develop the game. But Saturday in Sharjah marked the biggest step yet, as Nepal outplayed the heirs of legends like Brian Lara and Chris Gayle.

West Indies required 49 runs off the last 18 balls. Fabian Allen and Akeal Hosein managed 19 runs in the 18th over, raising hopes of a late surge. However, in the penultimate over by Karan KC, the Windies could only add two runs while Hosein was dismissed. With 28 needed in the last over, Allen struck a couple of boundaries but eventually fell, sealing Nepal’s famous 19-run victory.

In the run chase, Kyle Mayers (5) fell early. Alick Athanaze (19) and Amir Jango (19) could not capitalize, while Jewell Andrew (5) also departed cheaply. The Caribbean side kept losing wickets at regular intervals, with Casey Carty (18) run out and Jason Holder (5) dismissed by Bartal. Soon, Naveen Badaisi was bowled off his own pads, leaving the Windies struggling at 94 for 7.

Although Hosein and Allen showed some fight towards the end, Nepal’s bowlers kept their nerves. The disciplined spells of Airee and Chhetri denied West Indies a comeback, handing Nepal a memorable victory.

Earlier, batting first, Nepal lost both openers — Kushal Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (3) — cheaply. However, Rohit Paudel (38) and Kushal Malla (30) stabilized the innings with a 58-run stand. Once both departed, the middle order struggled to stay long at the crease. Gulshan Jha chipped in with 22, while Dipendra Singh Airee (17) and Sundeep Jhara (9) added some late runs. Nepal eventually finished on 148 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Jason Holder was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 4 for 20, including an over hat-trick in the 19th over where he dismissed Airee, Jhara, and Karan Chhetri in successive deliveries. Naveen Badaisi also claimed three wickets, while Hosein picked up one.

In the end, it was Nepal who walked away with the glory, scripting a fairy-tale win against one of cricket’s traditional powerhouses. This 19-run victory could well mark the beginning of a new era for Sandeep Lamichhane’s nation.