MUMBAI — A ruthless bowling exhibition led by Jason Holder propelled the West Indies into the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as they dismantled Nepal by nine wickets on Sunday.
On a lively surface at the Wankhede Stadium, the Caribbean attack delivered its third consecutive commanding performance, suffocating Nepal to 133 for eight from 20 overs after sending them in to bat.
Holder’s Player-of-the-Match spell of 4 for 27 proved decisive, breaking the backbone of Nepal’s innings and ensuring the chase would be a formality.
Early collapse leaves Nepal struggling
Nepal never recovered after being thrust into bat on a pitch offering pace and bounce.
Spin spearhead Akeal Hosein struck immediately, bowling Kushal Bhurtel in the opening over. The slide continued as Matthew Forde trapped Rohit Paudel lbw, before Holder removed Aasif Sheikh to leave the scoreboard reading a perilous 17 for three.
When Holder returned to dismiss Aarif Sheikh, Nepal slipped to 23 for four, and further blows from Shamar Joseph and Roston Chase reduced them to 73 for six, teetering on the brink of a sub-100 total.
A counterattacking 54-run stand between Dipendra Airee and Sompal Kami offered brief resistance, with Airee striking 58 and Kami adding an unbeaten 26 as Nepal plundered 60 runs from the final five overs.
Holder extinguished the late surge, removing Airee and Karan KC in the closing over to cap a commanding spell.
Hope and Hetmyer finish the job
Chasing a modest target, West Indies captain Shai Hope anchored the reply with an unbeaten half-century, his first significant score of the campaign, while Shimron Hetmyer continued his rich vein of form.
Openers Hope and Brandon King laid a steady foundation with a 43-run stand before King fell for 22. From there, Hope and Hetmyer took complete control, compiling an unbroken 91-run partnership.
Hetmyer’s composed 46 not out provided stability, while Hope accelerated decisively, reaching his 10th T20 International half-century off 38 balls with a towering six over long-off.
He then guided the winning run with 28 deliveries remaining, sealing a comfortable victory as West Indies finished on 134 for one in just 15.2 overs.
Perfect record secures passage
The triumph delivered a third straight Group C victory, lifting the Windies to a maximum six points and guaranteeing progression ahead of their final preliminary match against Italy.
It also extended their unbeaten record at the Wankhede Stadium in T20 World Cups, a venue that continues to bring out the best in the Caribbean side.
With bowlers firing, senior players finding form, and momentum firmly on their side, West Indies advance to the Super Eights looking every bit a contender for the title.
