KATHMANDU, Sept 28: The Nepali national cricket team registered a historic win by defeating two-time T20 World Cup champion West Indies by 19 runs, thanks to brilliant bowling and sharp fielding.
Chasing Nepal’s 149-run target in the first T20 match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE on Saturday, the West Indies were held to 129 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal impressed from the start with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
All-rounder Kushal Bhurtel emerged as the hero, contributing with the ball. He claimed two key wickets of Jason Holder (caught by captain Rohit Poudel) and Navin Bidaise (hit wicket), while conceding only 17 runs in his four overs.
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Lalit Rajbanshi also bowled economically, giving away just 6 runs in 2 overs and taking a wicket. Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, and skipper Poudel claimed one wicket each.
Nepal’s superb fielding caused crucial run-outs of Kyle Mayers and Keacy Carty, swinging the game further in their favor. Navin Bidaisse top-scored for West Indies with 22 runs, while Amir Jangoo and Fabian Allen added 19 each.
Nepal’s hard-fought batting
Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Nepal posted 148 for 8 in 20 overs. The start was shaky as openers Kushal Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (3) departed with just 12 runs on the board.
Captain Poudel and Kushal Malla steadied the innings with a crucial 59-run stand for the third wicket. Poudel top-scored with 38 off 35 balls, hitting three fours and a six, while Malla smashed 30 off 21 balls with two fours and two sixes. Gulshan Jha contributed 22 off 16 balls, and Airee added 17 off 19.
For the West Indies, experienced all-rounder Holder was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs, while Navin Bidaise grabbed three wickets for 29.
With this victory, Nepal leads the three-match series 1–0. The second and third matches are scheduled for September 29 and 30.
