DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – In a result that will send shockwaves through the cricketing world, Nepal humbled the West Indies by a staggering 90 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Monday, sealing a historic, unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20I series.
In a landmark achievement, the Rohit Paudel-led side has become the first-ever associate nation to win a bilateral series against the West Indies in any format, cementing their place in the sport’s record books.
After deciding to take the first strike, Nepal’s innings began on shaky ground.
The early losses of Kushal Bhurtel for two and captain Paudel 3 to West Indies skipper Akeal Hosein, followed by an unfortunate run-out of Kushal Malla, left the scoreboard reading a precarious 43-3.
However, from the brink of collapse, a magnificent fightback ensued.
Opener Aasif Sheikh anchored the innings with immense composure, crafting an unbeaten 68 from 47 deliveries for his eighth T20I half-century.
He found the perfect partner in Sundeep Jora, who launched a blistering counter-attack. Jora bludgeoned the West Indies attack, smashing five sixes and three fours on his way to a career-best 63 off just 39 balls.
Their brilliant 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket rescued Nepal and propelled them to a highly competitive total of 173-6.
In reply, the West Indies’ chase was a disaster from the start. From the get-go, the regional side seemed at sea at the seam and spin bowling barrage from the host.
Their inexperienced batting lineup capitulated under the pressure of the formidable target, slumping to 38-4 after nine overs and never recovering.
The scorecard made for grim reading for Caribbean fans, with only three players, Jason Holder (21), Ackeem Auguste (17), and Amir Jangoo (16), managing to reach double figures.
The innings folded for a meagre 83 in just 17.1 overs, much to the delight of a vibrant and cheering Nepali crowd in Sharjah.
Nepal’s bowling attack was clinical. Debutant Mohammad Aadil Alam, a late replacement, was the chief destroyer with a spectacular haul of 4-24, while part-time leg-spinner Kushal Bhurtel redeemed himself with a sharp spell of 3-16.
The victory marks one of the greatest days in Nepali cricket history, a stunning triumph of spirit and skill that has firmly put the Himalayan nation on the global cricketing map.
The teams will now meet for the final match on Tuesday, with Nepal eyeing a historic series sweep.
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