DUBAI – Nepal etched their name into cricketing folklore on Monday, stunning the mighty West Indies by 90 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Ground to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
In doing so, Rohit Paudel’s spirited side became the first associate nation ever to defeat the Caribbean powerhouse in a bilateral series across any format—an achievement that will be celebrated as a watershed moment in Nepalese sport.
From early collapse to remarkable revival
Choosing to bat first, Nepal’s innings looked to be unraveling when Kushal Bhurtel (2), captain Paudel (3), and Kushal Malla (run out for 8) departed in quick succession, leaving the scoreboard teetering at 43-3.
Then came the turnaround. Opener Aasif Sheikh displayed nerves of steel, compiling an unbeaten 68 from 47 balls, his eighth T20I half-century. At the other end, Sundeep Jora unleashed a fearless assault, smashing five towering sixes and three boundaries in a career-best 63 from 39 deliveries.
Their 100-run stand transformed the innings, lifting Nepal to a commanding 173-6 and shifting the pressure squarely onto the West Indies.
Caribbean chase crumbles
In reply, the West Indies looked rattled from the outset. Against Nepal’s relentless seam-spin combination, their chase never left the ground. Reduced to 38-4 within nine overs, the visitors were in tatters and never recovered.
Only Jason Holder (21), Ackeem Auguste (17), and Amir Jangoo (16) offered brief resistance as wickets fell in clusters. The innings ended in just 17.1 overs for a paltry 83, leaving their supporters in stunned silence as jubilant Nepalese fans roared from the stands.
Debutant steals the spotlight
Nepal’s bowling unit was ruthless. On debut, Mohammad Aadil Alam delivered a dream performance, snaring 4-24 to cripple the West Indian middle order. Meanwhile, Bhurtel, earlier dismissed cheaply with the bat, redeemed himself with a crafty spell of 3-16.
Their combined effort completed a demolition job that will be remembered as one of Nepal’s greatest cricketing triumphs.
A day written in gold for Nepal
The emphatic victory not only sealed the series but also elevated Nepal’s stature on the world stage, proof that associate nations can topple cricket’s giants when grit meets belief.
With history already made, Nepal now eye a clean sweep in the final match on Tuesday—an opportunity to cap off what is already a golden chapter in their cricketing journey.
