Nepal stunned West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at Sharjah. Nepal posted 148/8 in 20 overs with useful contributions from Rohit Paudel, Kushal Malla, and Gulsan Jha.

For West Indies, Jason Holder (4/20 in 4 overs) and Navin Bidaisee (3/29 in 4 overs) bowled well, restricting Nepal’s batters and taking wickets at regular intervals.

In reply, West Indies collapsed under pressure and managed only 129/9 in 20 overs. Navin Bidaisee was the top scorer for West Indies. Kushal Bhurtel (2/17 in 4 overs) led Nepal’s bowling attack with an impressive spell.

Nepal's Historic Victory

This victory marked Nepal's first-ever win against a Full Member nation in any format. They had previously beaten Afghanistan in a T20I in 2014, but at that time, Afghanistan were still an Associate team.

The match held extra significance as it was Nepal's first-ever T20I against West Indies and the beginning of their first bilateral series against a Full Member side. They made the occasion memorable by completely outplaying the two-time T20 World Cup champions.

Nepal's performance was a true team effort. Six of their batters smashed at least one six each, six bowlers picked up a wicket apiece, and their fielding was sharp throughout the match.

West Indies Win Toss, Nepal Struggles Early

West Indies, led by stand-in captain Akeal Hosein, fielded a second-string team that included four debutants. Hosein won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Nepal’s innings began shakily. They lost both openers within the first 3.1 overs. Kushal Bhurtel was stumped after missing an arm ball from Hosein. Aasif Sheikh attempted a lofted shot against Jason Holder but was caught by a backpedalling mid-on fielder.By the end of the powerplay's fifth over, Nepal had struck only two boundaries.

Malla and Paudel Steady the Ship

Malla first struck Fabian Allen for a four and then launched the first six of the innings in Allen’s next over. He continued his attacking display by hitting another six off Obed McCoy.

By the halfway mark, Nepal were 68 for 2, with Malla and Paudel adding 58 runs off 45 balls. However, both fell to debutant leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee, who made an impressive start by taking key wickets.

Bidaisee’s spell proved crucial as he later dismissed Gulsan Jha, finishing with 3 for 29 in four overs. Holder then turned the heat in the 19th over, claiming three wickets in quick succession.

West Indies' fielding was inconsistent, fluctuating between spectacular catches and costly dropped chances. Despite this, Nepal managed to post a competitive total of 148 for 8.

Nepal’s Fielding Turns the Game

West Indies began their chase well, with Kyle Mayers striking a boundary off the first ball. However, the momentum quickly shifted when Bhurtel's direct hit ran Mayers out in the second over.

Debutant Ackeem Auguste provided a brief spark with two big sixes but was dismissed before the powerplay ended.

At 40 for 2 after six overs, West Indies were still in the game. But Nepal’s spinners took control. Paudel and Lalit Rajbanshi bowled tight spells, conceding just 16 runs in four overs while picking up a wicket each. The pressure mounted as shot-making became difficult on the slowing pitch.

Airee’s Brilliance Shifts Momentum

With West Indies needing 93 runs off the last ten overs, Nepal gained the upper hand. In the 13th over, Dipendra Singh Airee produced a stunning run-out to dismiss Keacy Carty.

Carty pushed the ball towards covers and set off for a quick single. However, his partner sent him back. Airee fired a direct throw to the wicketkeeper, leaving Carty stranded and West Indies in deeper trouble.

West Indies Collapse Under Pressure

From that point, West Indies depended heavily on Jason Holder, but he managed only 5 runs before holing out to deep midwicket off Bhurtel.

Bidaisee, Allen, and Hosein tried to keep the chase alive with aggressive hitting. Still, the required run rate kept climbing. West Indies needed 70 runs off the last five overs, and 49 off the last three overs.

In the 18th over, Nepal’s normally flawless fielders dropped Hosein twice in two balls. One drop went for four, and the next for six.

Despite this brief scare, Karan KC dismissed Hosein in the very next over, effectively sealing the game. This left Allen with an impossible task of scoring 28 runs in the final over.

Allen failed to deliver, and Nepal wrapped up a historic 19-run victory.