DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – In a outcome that can ship shockwaves by means of the cricketing world, Nepal humbled the West Indies by a staggering 90 runs on the Sharjah Cricket Floor on Monday, sealing a historic, unassailable 2-0 lead of their three-match T20I collection.
In a landmark achievement, the Rohit Paudel-led facet has turn into the first-ever affiliate nation to win a bilateral collection towards the West Indies in any format, cementing their place within the sport’s document books.
After deciding to take the primary strike, Nepal’s innings started on shaky floor.
The early losses of Kushal Bhurtel for 2 and captain Paudel 3 to West Indies skipper Akeal Hosein, adopted by an unlucky run-out of Kushal Malla, left the scoreboard studying a precarious 43-3.
Nonetheless, from the brink of collapse, an impressive fightback ensued.
Opener Aasif Sheikh anchored the innings with immense composure, crafting an unbeaten 68 from 47 deliveries for his eighth T20I half-century.
He discovered the proper accomplice in Sundeep Jora, who launched a blistering counter-attack. Jora bludgeoned the West Indies assault, smashing 5 sixes and three fours on his option to a career-best 63 off simply 39 balls.
Their sensible 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket rescued Nepal and propelled them to a extremely aggressive complete of 173-6.
In reply, the West Indies’ chase was a catastrophe from the beginning. From the get-go, the regional facet appeared at sea on the seam and spin bowling barrage from the host.
Their inexperienced batting lineup capitulated underneath the stress of the formidable goal, slumping to 38-4 after 9 overs and by no means recovering.
The scorecard made for grim studying for Caribbean followers, with solely three gamers, Jason Holder (21), Ackeem Auguste (17), and Amir Jangoo (16), managing to achieve double figures.
The innings folded for a meagre 83 in simply 17.1 overs, a lot to the delight of a vibrant and cheering Nepali crowd in Sharjah.
Nepal’s bowling assault was scientific. Debutant Mohammad Aadil Alam, a late substitute, was the chief destroyer with a spectacular haul of 4-24, whereas part-time leg-spinner Kushal Bhurtel redeemed himself with a pointy spell of 3-16.
The victory marks one of many biggest days in Nepali cricket historical past, a shocking triumph of spirit and talent that has firmly put the Himalayan nation on the worldwide cricketing map.
The groups will now meet for the ultimate match on Tuesday, with Nepal eyeing a historic collection sweep.
