Nepal`s national cricket team has achieved a groundbreaking victory against the West Indies in a T20 international, a feat that has resonated throughout the cricketing world. This historic win marks Nepal`s first-ever triumph over a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Following this landmark achievement, Nepal`s captain, Rohit Paudel, dedicated the victory to the “martyrs” of the recent “Gen Z” protests that captivated Nepal and sent ripples across neighboring countries.
The Nepali bowlers delivered a strong performance, securing a 19-run victory against a West Indies side that was without some of its prominent players. This win gave Nepal a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second T20I scheduled for September 29.
Captain Rohit Paudel`s Emotional Dedication
Speaking after the game, Paudel lauded his team`s comprehensive effort. “It`s feeling great, a long wait to beat a Test-playing country, that too it has come in a series we have hosted in the UAE,” he stated at the post-match presentation. He noted that a score of 150-160 was considered par on the pitch, adding, “80-90 per cent, we have matched our skills, the spinners were great today, as well as the experienced Karan and Sompal.”
Paudel further elaborated on the dedication: “Want to dedicate this award to the martyrs back home who participated in the protest. The last month has not been great for us, so if we can give a little bit of happiness to the people of Nepal, I think that would be great. It`s just the beginning, a lot more to come.” The 23-year-old captain emphasized the emotional weight of the victory for his nation.
Match Overview: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The match, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, saw West Indies win the toss and opt to field first. They managed to restrict the Associate Member team to a modest total of 148/8, thanks to crucial contributions from Nepal`s middle order.
West Indies pacers Akeal Hosain (who dismissed Kushal Bhurtel for 5) and Jason Holder (who accounted for Aasif Sheikh for 3) initiated early breakthroughs, leaving Nepal at 12/2 in the fourth over. However, resilient batting from skipper Rohit Paudel (38 off 35 balls), Kusal Malla (30 from 21), and Gulsan Jha (22 off 16) steadied the innings. Despite a late-order collapse triggered by leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee, who claimed both Paudel and Malla in successive overs, Nepal reached their competitive total.
For the West Indies, Jason Holder was the most effective bowler, securing 4-20, while Navin Bidaisee chipped in with 3-29.
