Nepal stun West Indies with historic first-ever win over ICC full-member side

The Nepal men’s cricket team etched their name in the record books on Saturday by securing a historic 19-run victory over West Indies in the first T20 international of the three-match series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, 24NewsHD TV reported. 

This was Nepal’s maiden triumph against a full-member International Cricket Council (ICC) side, marking a watershed moment in their cricketing journey.

Batting first after being put in, Nepal recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 148 for 8 in their 20 overs.

The associate nation had slipped to 12 for 2 in the fourth over, with both openers – Kushal Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (3) – dismissed cheaply.

However, Paudel’s composed 38 off 35 balls, which included three fours and a six, alongside Malla’s brisk 30 off 21 with two sixes and two fours, steadied the innings.

The duo’s dismissal in quick succession saw Nepal wobble again at 89 for 4 in the 13th over, but the middle-order held firm.

Gulshan Jha chipped in with a valuable 22, while Dipendra Singh Airee added 17 runs in the death overs to ensure the total reached a defendable mark.

For the West Indies, Jason Holder spearheaded the bowling attack with a brilliant spell of 4 for 20, while Navin Bidaisee grabbed three wickets to keep the pressure on.

In reply, West Indies faltered in their chase and were restricted to 129 for 9, falling short by 19 runs against a disciplined Nepal bowling effort.

Bidaisee, despite his efforts with the ball, top-scored with a patient 22 off 25 deliveries. Amir Jangoo and Fabian Allen added 19 runs each but failed to convert their starts into match-winning knocks.

Nepal’s bowler Kushal Bhurtel took two wickets while skipper Paudel, along with Lalit Rajbanshi, Nandan Yadav, Karan KC, and Airee, chipped in with one wicket apiece. 

For his decisive role with both bat and ball, Paudel was named Player of the Match. The victory not only gave Nepal a 1-0 lead in the series but also announced their arrival as a growing force in international cricket.