Nepal’s cricketing journey reached a historic high as the Rhinos clinched their first-ever bilateral series win against a Full Member nation, defeating the West Indies 2–1 in a three-match T20I series held in Sharjah from September 27 to 30.
The tone was set right from the opening game. Nepal stunned the two-time T20 World Champions by 19 runs, scripting their first-ever victory over a Test-playing side across formats. Skipper Rohit Paudel led from the front with a composed 38, supported by Kushal Malla’s 30, as Nepal posted 148/8. Their disciplined bowling and electric fielding turned that into a winning total. Bhurtel’s sharp run-out of Mayers and his tidy 2/17 spell epitomized Nepal’s intensity. West Indies never looked comfortable, collapsing to 129/9.
Paudel, named Player of the Match, said the win was “a moment for all Nepalis,” dedicating it to those who lost their lives during the Gen-Z protests. His words reflected more than sporting pride. It was about giving joy to a nation that had endured hardship. He also added that the win was for the people back home.
Riding that momentum, Nepal produced a dominant performance in the second T20I to seal the series. After losing three early wickets, Aasif Sheikh (68*) and Sundeep Jora (63) rebuilt brilliantly, powering Nepal to 173/6. The bowlers then tore through the West Indies lineup, dismissing them for just 83. Aadil Ansari bagged four wickets while Bhurtel added three, as Nepal romped home by 90 runs, a thrashing few would have predicted.
Nepal Captain Paudel, visibly proud, called it “a win years in the making,” praising his team’s discipline and fielding standards. “For the last 10–15 years, Nepal has carried a history of being a good fielding side,” he said. “We wanted to showcase our talent to the world, and this series was our opportunity.”
The West Indies captain Akeal Hosein acknowledged Nepal’s spirit, admitting, “These guys know their players inside out. They’ve played together for long, and that chemistry showed.”
The third T20I, however, reminded everyone of the unpredictability of cricket. Nepal were bundled out for 122, and West Indies chased it down without losing a wicket, thanks to half-centuries from Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste. Still, the damage was done – Nepal had already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead and sealed the series 2-1.
Even in defeat, Paudel’s reflection showed maturity: “We are proud of the way we played. The series gives us confidence heading into the World Cup qualifiers.”
Their performance drew praise from the cricketing world. Legendary commentator Ian Bishop lauded Paudel personally, saying, “For such a young man, you are an exceptional leader. Nepal and your team deserve this.” Andrew Leonard, a beloved voice in Nepali cricket, noted that such victories strengthen Nepal’s case to become a future Test nation.
The win isn’t just a cricketing milestone – it symbolizes the rise of a team that has quietly built momentum through structure, talent, and fan passion. Nepal’s cricket infrastructure is improving, with TU International Cricket Ground getting new floodlights and concrete stands. The Nepal Premier League, too, is gaining global attention, signaling a bright commercial and sporting future.
Next up, Nepal heads to Oman for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East-Asia Pacific Qualifier, where nine teams will fight for three World Cup spots. If Nepal qualifies, it will mark their second consecutive T20 World Cup appearance, a fitting next chapter for a nation whose spirit and skill are finally earning global respect.
