DUBAI – Nepal etched their title into cricketing folklore on Monday, gorgeous the mighty West Indies by 90 runs on the Sharjah Cricket Floor to safe an unassailable 2-0 lead within the three-match T20I sequence.
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In doing so, Rohit Paudel’s spirited aspect turned the primary affiliate nation ever to defeat the Caribbean powerhouse in a bilateral sequence throughout any format—an achievement that will probably be celebrated as a watershed second in Nepalese sport.
From early collapse to outstanding revival
Selecting to bat first, Nepal’s innings appeared to be unraveling when Kushal Bhurtel (2), captain Paudel (3), and Kushal Malla (run out for 8) departed in fast succession, leaving the scoreboard teetering at 43-3.
Then got here the turnaround. Opener Aasif Sheikh displayed nerves of metal, compiling an unbeaten 68 from 47 balls, his eighth T20I half-century. On the different finish, Sundeep Jora unleashed a fearless assault, smashing 5 towering sixes and three boundaries in a career-best 63 from 39 deliveries.
Their 100-run stand reworked the innings, lifting Nepal to a commanding 173-6 and shifting the stress squarely onto the West Indies.
Caribbean chase crumbles
In reply, the West Indies regarded rattled from the outset. In opposition to Nepal’s relentless seam-spin mixture, their chase by no means left the bottom. Lowered to 38-4 inside 9 overs, the guests have been in tatters and by no means recovered.
Solely Jason Holder (21), Ackeem Auguste (17), and Amir Jangoo (16) supplied transient resistance as wickets fell in clusters. The innings resulted in simply 17.1 overs for a paltry 83, leaving their supporters in surprised silence as jubilant Nepalese followers roared from the stands.
Debutant steals the highlight
Nepal’s bowling unit was ruthless. On debut, Mohammad Aadil Alam delivered a dream efficiency, snaring 4-24 to cripple the West Indian center order. In the meantime, Bhurtel, earlier dismissed cheaply with the bat, redeemed himself with a artful spell of 3-16.
Their mixed effort accomplished a demolition job that will probably be remembered as one in every of Nepal’s best cricketing triumphs.
A day written in gold for Nepal
The emphatic victory not solely sealed the sequence but in addition elevated Nepal’s stature on the world stage, proof that affiliate nations can topple cricket’s giants when grit meets perception.
With historical past already made, Nepal now eye a clear sweep within the closing match on Tuesday—a chance to cap off what’s already a golden chapter of their cricketing journey.
