Nepal Stuns West Indies with Historic T20I Victory in Sharjah
Cricket fans across Nepal are celebrating a historic moment as their national team pulled off a stunning victory against the West Indies in a T20 international match. The win marks Nepal’s first-ever triumph over a Test-playing nation, making it one of the most memorable milestones in the country’s cricketing journey.
The upset took place on Saturday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Nepal defeated the two-time former world champions by 19 runs in the opening game of their three-match T20I series. The result not only delighted the thousands of Nepali fans present at the ground but also sparked jubilant celebrations back home that carried on well into the night.
Nepal’s Fighting Total
After being asked to bat first, Nepal showed grit and determination against a strong West Indies bowling lineup. Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front with a crucial knock of 38 runs, while Kushal Malla steadied the innings in the middle order with a valuable 30. Despite a few quick dismissals, the team managed to post a competitive total of 148-8 in 20 overs, which gave their bowlers something to defend.
It wasn’t a towering score by T20 standards, but for Nepal, it was a total that carried belief and intent. Every run was cheered by fans in the stadium, many draped in Nepal’s national flag and wearing replica jerseys to show their support.
Brilliant Bowling Seals the Win
Defending a modest target against one of the most explosive batting sides in T20 cricket was never going to be easy. But Nepal’s bowlers rose to the occasion with discipline and determination.
The star of the night was Kushal Bhurtel, who bowled a match-winning spell of 2-17 in four overs, applying pressure on the West Indies top order and never letting them settle. The fielding unit backed up the bowlers with energy and sharpness, cutting off boundaries and holding their nerve in crucial moments.
The West Indies, winners of the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016, were expected to chase down the target comfortably. Instead, they crumbled under pressure, finishing short by 19 runs. For Nepal, the victory was not just about the numbers—it was about proving that they could compete with the giants of world cricket.
A Historic Milestone for Nepal
“This is a historic win for us and it helps improve our players’ standing in the cricketing world,” said Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal. Speaking to AFP, he emphasized that the result was proof of how far the team has come in recent years.
For the players and fans alike, the result carried more than just sporting significance. Nepal is still reeling from deadly anti-corruption protests that left at least 72 people dead and forced the government to step down earlier this year. Captain Paudel dedicated the victory to those who lost their lives, calling them “martyrs back home.” He said the team hoped the win could bring “a little bit of happiness” to a grieving nation.
Fans Celebrate at Home and Abroad
Back in Kathmandu, fans gathered in homes and cafes to watch the match on television. As the game reached its climax, excitement turned into uncontainable joy.
“It was not expected, but as the game progressed, we saw there was a chance we could win,” said Pujan Thapa, a 27-year-old who watched the match with friends and family. “We were so happy, we stood up and danced.”
Television footage from the Sharjah stadium showed Nepali supporters waving flags, singing, and refusing to leave the stands long after the final ball had been bowled. Social media platforms were also flooded with congratulatory posts, memes, and videos celebrating the team’s resilience and historic achievement.
Voices from Nepal Cricket
Former chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary praised the players for their hard work and dedication. “It will motivate them to play well and inspire other young cricketers,” he said, noting that the victory should be seen as a stepping stone for greater achievements in the future.
Analysts say that the win could also accelerate the sport’s development in Nepal, encouraging more investment in grassroots programs and infrastructure. Cricket already enjoys immense popularity in the country, and results like these only fuel the passion further.
Nepal’s Rising Cricket Journey
Nepal’s cricket story has been one of steady growth over the past decade. In 2018, the International Cricket Council (ICC) granted the team one-day international (ODI) status, a major recognition of their progress.
The country made its ICC T20 World Cup debut in 2014, impressing fans with their spirit and energy. They returned to the tournament in 2024, coming agonizingly close to upsetting eventual finalists South Africa. That performance alone showed the world that Nepal was no longer a minnow to be overlooked.
Now, with their first victory over a Test-playing nation, the Rhinos have firmly established themselves as a team to watch.
What’s Next for Nepal
The win in Sharjah was just the first game of the three-match series against the West Indies. Fans will now be eager to see if Nepal can carry forward the momentum and possibly clinch the series.
Regardless of what happens next, this victory has already etched its place in the history of Nepali cricket. For the players, it is a moment of validation. For the fans, it is a source of pride. And for the nation, it is a reminder that even in times of difficulty, sport has the power to inspire hope and unity.
As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: Nepal’s journey in world cricket has only just begun, and the world will be watching closely.