Nepal Beat West Indies to Claim First-Ever Win Over Full-Member Team

Nepal pulled off the biggest win in their cricket history on Saturday, defeating West Indies by 19 runs in the opening T20I at Sharjah. The result marked Nepal’s first-ever victory against an ICC full-member nation, sending their supporters into wild celebrations at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Asked to bat first, Nepal recovered from a shaky start to post 148 for 8. Skipper Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with 38 off 35, while Kushal Malla struck a lively 30. A vital lower-order push from Gulsan Jha and Dipendra Singh lifted them past 140, despite Jason Holder’s superb 4 for 20 and Navin Bidaisee’s 3 for 29.

In reply, West Indies stumbled early when Kyle Mayers was run out for just five. Their batting never found rhythm as Nepal’s bowlers kept striking at key moments. Kushal Bhurtel starred with 2 for 17, while the rest of the attack chipped in to maintain pressure.

Amir Jangoo, Keacy Carty and Navin Bidaisee all got starts but failed to convert. Late cameos from Fabian Allen and captain Akeal Hosein threatened to tilt the contest, but the asking rate proved too steep. West Indies finished on 129 for 9, falling short by 19 runs.

For Nepal, the win was more than just a series lead. It was a statement of their growing presence in world cricket. The players were mobbed by jubilant fans inside Sharjah, celebrating a landmark night for the sport in their country.

The second T20I of the three-match series will be played on September 29 at the same venue, with Nepal now eyeing an unprecedented series victory.