Nepal’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone by defeating the West Indies, a reputed Test-playing nation, in a T20 international on Saturday. This victory marks Nepal’s first triumph against a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and is seen as a pivotal moment in the country’s cricketing history. The win comes amidst Nepal’s challenging times, with captain Rohit Paudel dedicating the victory to those who lost their lives during the recent Gen Z protests against the Nepalese government.
In a remarkable performance, Nepal’s bowlers consistently applied pressure on the West Indies team, who were missing some of their key players, securing a memorable 19-run win. This victory gave Nepal a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next game scheduled for September 29.
Following the match, Paudel expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing their all-round effort. He noted the importance of this victory as Nepal had waited a long time to defeat a Test-playing nation, especially hosting the series in the UAE. Highlighting the significance of the win, Paudel stated, “It’s just the beginning, a lot more to come,” dedicating the success to the recent martyrs from the protests.
The match, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, saw the West Indies choosing to field first. Nepal managed to put up a score of 148/8, thanks to crucial contributions from their middle order. Rohit Paudel, with a score of 38, alongside Kusal Malla and Gulsan Jha, played key roles in setting the target. West Indies bowler Jason Holder took four wickets, attempting to derail Nepal’s innings.
This victory is not only a significant achievement for Nepal’s cricket team but also brings a shared sense of joy to the nation amidst tense socio-political times. It highlights the potential growth and success of cricket in Nepal, providing a beacon of hope and unity.