Historic Victory: Nepal Beats West Indies to Claim First Bilateral Series Win
In perhaps the biggest moment in Nepal’s cricketing history, the Nepali team pulled off a stunning victory over the West Indies — a full member of the ICC. This was not just a win; it was a statement. In this blog, we’ll break down how Nepal made it happen, who shone in the series, and why this win matters for Nepal, the Caribbean team, and cricket across Asia.
The Historic Context
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This tour is the first-ever bilateral T20I series between Nepal and West Indies.
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The series is being played at Sharjah, UAE (all three matches).
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Nepal had already made headlines by winning the first game against West Indies — their first-ever T20 win against a full ICC member.
So entering match 2, Nepal had momentum and confidence.
Match 2: Nepal’s Dominance
In the second T20I, Nepal didn’t just win — they crushed West Indies by 90 runs to seal the series with a match to spare.
Here’s how the match played out:
Nepal’s Batting Display
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Nepal batted first and posted 173/6 in 20 overs.
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Aasif Sheikh carried his bat with an unbeaten 68*.
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Sundeep Jora played explosively and scored 63.
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The two built a century stand after Nepal had suffered early setbacks.
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Early wickets (for example, Akeal Hosein got 2/21) tried to slow Nepal, but the middle and late order delivered.
West Indies’ Collapse
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Chasing 174, West Indies were in trouble from early overs — they managed just 3 runs in first two overs.
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By over 5, they were 7/2.
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Mohammad Aadil Alam was Nepal’s bowling star, grabbing 4 wickets for 24 runs.
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Kushal Bhurtel added pressure too, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs.
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The West Indies innings folded for 83 in 17.1 overs.
Thus, Nepal won by 90 runs — a massive margin for T20 cricket.
This win was the largest margin (by runs) ever achieved by an Associate nation over a Full Member in T20Is.
What Makes This Win Historic
This series win gives Nepal more than just a trophy:
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First bilateral series win vs a full ICC member
They had never before beaten a full-member nation in a full bilateral T20I series. -
Confidence boost & recognition
Beating a storied team like West Indies — known for fast bowling and legacy — lifts Nepal’s status in world cricket. -
Proof of rising standards
The win shows that associate nations can compete with full members when they’re disciplined with bat, ball, and fielding. -
Inspirational for young cricketers
Nepali youth will see that the gap can be closed — a small country can beat big teams with courage and effort. -
Pressure on West Indies
For West Indies, this defeat is a wake-up call. Their cricketing bench-strength is being questioned when they falter against teams once viewed as underdogs.
Who Stood Out
It’s not just about the team — some players made this possible.
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Aasif Sheikh (68*): Anchored the innings and handled pressure with maturity.
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Sundeep Jora (63): His attacking approach gave Nepal momentum after early losses.
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Mohammad Aadil Alam: With his 4 wickets, he ripped through the West Indies batting line-up.
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Kushal Bhurtel: Supportive with the ball (3/16) and also contributed with the bat in earlier matches.
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The team fielding & overall unity: Many runouts, sharp catches — the fielding was tight and disciplined.
Lessons for India & Other Teams
From India’s perspective — and others — there are takeaways here:
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Never underestimate smaller nations
India itself has experienced surprise upsets. Nepal’s win shows that talent is everywhere. -
Fitness, discipline, and planning matter
Full members can’t rely solely on brand or reputation — preparation counts. -
Good leadership & calm under pressure
Skipper and coach must manage nerves in big moments. Nepal’s leadership did just that. -
Use every opportunity
For India, series against associate nations could be used for bench strength, but with respect — no one should be taken lightly.
Final Word
Nepal’s crushing win over the West Indies is more than a moment — it's a movement. It’s a reminder that in cricket, dreams are possible for every nation with belief, effort, and execution. This series will go down in Nepal’s sports history, and its ripple effects will be felt across cricketing boards and hearts alike.
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