In a stunning turn of events, Nepal has achieved a historic victory against the West Indies in a T20 international match. This marks Nepal's first-ever triumph over a full member nation in cricket, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world. The victory came in the first fixture of their three-match T20I series in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Nepal's Dominance on Display
The match witnessed Nepal's dominance as they bowled out the West Indies for a mere 83 runs, securing a resounding 90-run victory. This is the lowest score a full member nation has recorded against an associate, and the 90-run margin is the largest ever for an associate against a full member.
Nepal, ranked 18th globally, had never previously competed in a T20 series against a full member nation. Their victory with a game to spare highlights their growing prowess in the sport.
Key Moments of the Match
- Nepal posted a competitive total of 173-6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a 100-run partnership between Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora.
- The West Indies struggled to gain momentum, with only three batters reaching double figures. They collapsed from 63-4 to 83 all out.
- Kushal Bhurtel's exceptional bowling spell of 2-17 played a crucial role in restricting the West Indies.
West Indies' Struggles Continue
This defeat adds to the recent woes of the West Indies cricket team. They suffered a crushing defeat against Australia in a Test series earlier this year and failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
The victory is a significant milestone for Nepal, boosting their standing in the cricketing world. It also highlights the growing competitiveness of associate nations in international cricket. Nepal now looks forward to the T20 World Cup qualifiers next month.
Cricket fans in Nepal are celebrating this momentous occasion, demonstrating the nation's passion for the sport and their pride in their team's achievement. The series concludes with the third T20. All eyes will be on Nepal as they continue to make their mark on the global stage.