Nepal has etched its name in cricketing history with an outstanding victory against the West Indies in their first T20 International match of a three-game series held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The occasion marks Nepal’s inaugural win over a Test-playing nation, sparking nationwide celebrations.
In what can be described as a momentous win, Nepal defeated the two-time former T20 World Cup champions by 19 runs. This triumph is not only significant in terms of sports but also serves as a beacon of hope and joy amidst challenging times for the nation. After batting first, Nepal set a competitive score of 148-8 in their 20 overs, with notable performances from captain Rohit Paudel, who scored 38 runs, and middle-order batsman Kushal Malla, contributing 30 runs.
Nepal’s spirited performance extended into their bowling and fielding efforts, successfully restricting the West Indies with Kushal Bhurtel leading the charge, securing two wickets for just 17 runs from his four overs. The dedication and hard work of the Nepali team were evident as they overcame formidable opponents who have previously clinched the T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016.
Cricket Association of Nepal President, Chatur Bahadur Chand, expressed that this historic win enhances the team’s standing in the global cricketing arena. Local fans, dressed in replica team shirts, celebrated enthusiastically both in the stadium and across Nepal, as images circulated showing jubilant supporters waving national flags and cheering their team on.
The victory is particularly poignant given Nepal’s recent struggles with political unrest and deadly protests. In a heartfelt gesture, captain Rohit Paudel dedicated the triumph to the protesters who lost their lives, hoping to bring them and the nation a sense of happiness amidst turmoil.
This win is a testament to the dedication and growth of cricket in Nepal, a nation that has been given one-day international status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 2018 and made its T20 World Cup debut in 2014. The positive momentum from this achievement is expected to inspire the next generation of cricketing talent in Nepal.
Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages for the Nepali team, as the country and its fans continue to revel in this landmark achievement, a morale booster for Nepali cricket and its growing fan base.