Nepal made history in Sharjah on September 27, 2025, by securing their first-ever T20I victory over a full ICC member, defeating the West Indies by 19 runs in the opening match of their inaugural bilateral series. The win not only marked a massive milestone for Nepali cricket, but also set the tone for what promises to be an intense 3-match series under the banner of the Unity Cup.
Opting to bat first, Nepal posted a competitive total of 148 for 8 in their 20 overs. Key contributions came from Anil Paudel, who top-scored with 38, and Paras Malla, who followed with a valuable 30. The rest of the batting unit chipped in with small but crucial partnerships that kept Nepal in the game, giving them something respect-able to defend.
Chasing 149, West Indies got off to a cautious start. Early wickets disrupted their momentum and prevented any batter from really settling in. Despite some resistance in the middle order, the batting side never quite got ahead of the required run rate. Tight bowling and fielding by Nepal ensured that boundaries were hard to come by, and pressure built with every over.
When the final over rolled around, West Indies were 129 for 9—falling short by 19 runs. The pacers and spinners for Nepal stood up in the moments that mattered, executing plans with discipline. The bowlers mixed their lines well, and the fielding supported them with energetic ground fielding and sharp catches.
For Nepal, this victory means more than just a win in the record books. It boosts confidence enormously ahead of their upcoming fixtures and signals their readiness to compete with traditional cricketing powers. Having never before beaten a full-member country in a men’s bilateral T20I series, Nepal showed grit, tactical maturity, and belief.
West Indies, meanwhile, will be reflecting on missed opportunities. The middle-overs collapse and inability to break through in the death overs cost them dearly. Their batting depth was tested, and while they have the talent, executing under pressure remains a concern.
This landmark win was made possible by Nepal’s balanced performance across all departments. Batting contributions from Paudel and Malla ensured they had something to defend. The bowlers, under pressure, stuck to their roles. The fielding unit kept their energy high, intercepting attempts at boundaries and effecting tight run out possibilities.
Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel and his coaching staff have often emphasized growth and exposure as key goals for their team. In both respects, this victory delivers. Not only does it elevate their standing on the international stage, but it also provides a morale boost heading into the rest of the series and future tournaments.
Fans and pundits alike will view this result as a turning point. While one win does not define a team, Nepal’s ability to close out matches, build partnerships, and defend under pressure marks them as increasingly dangerous in T20 cricket. For West Indies, the task now is to regroup—adjust to the conditions, analyze where they faltered, and learn ahead of the next two matches.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025