NEP vs WI (1st T20I) – Highlights
Sharjah witnessed a memorable evening for Nepal cricket as Rohit Paudel’s spirited all-round performance guided his side to a famous 19-run victory over West Indies in the opening T20I of their three-match series. Defending a modest total of 148, Nepal showed immense discipline with both bat and ball to outclass the Caribbean unit in front of a lively crowd.
Nepal’s innings began shakily after being put in to bat. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh fell cheaply within the first three overs, leaving Captain Rohit Paudel with a rebuilding job. The skipper played a mature knock, holding the innings together with 38 runs from 35 balls. His partnerships with Kushal Malla and later Gulsan Jha were vital in steadying the ship.
Malla struck a fluent 30 off 21 deliveries, while Jha added a quick 22 to keep the scoreboard moving. Dipendra Singh Airee and Sundeep Jora chipped in with small cameos, though Jason Holder’s incisive four-wicket burst ensured West Indies kept pulling things back. Navin Bidaisee was equally impressive with three wickets, but a late flourish from Nandan Yadav, who smashed 7 off just 2 balls including a six, pushed Nepal to 148 for 8 in their 20 overs.
In response, West Indies faltered early in their chase. Kyle Mayers was run out in the second over, and although Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste tried to rebuild, Nepal’s spinners and fielders applied consistent pressure. Auguste briefly threatened with a 7-ball 15, but wickets at regular intervals derailed the momentum. Rohit Paudel struck with the ball too, removing Jewel Andrew, while debutant Nandan Yadav dismissed Auguste to spark further celebrations.
The middle order offered resistance with Navin Bidaisee grinding his way to 22, but his dismissal through an unusual hit-wicket changed the complexion of the game. Fabian Allen’s quick 19 and Akeal Hosein’s attacking 18 gave West Indies a glimmer of hope, but Kushal Bhurtel’s decisive strikes sealed the contest. Bhurtel, who had failed with the bat, redeemed himself by claiming two wickets including the prized scalp of Holder. West Indies eventually limped to 129 for 9, falling well short of the target.
The result was a testament to Nepal’s growing stature in international cricket. Rohit Paudel was rightly named Player of the Match for his captain’s knock and a crucial wicket, but the victory was truly a team effort. Nepal’s bowlers, led by Bhurtel, Airee, and Rajbanshi, showed control and composure under pressure. The win not only gives Nepal a 1-0 lead in the series but also marks a significant milestone against a traditional cricketing powerhouse.
For West Indies, questions remain about their batting approach and lack of partnerships. Despite Holder’s brilliance with the ball, the team failed to complement his effort with the bat. They will need to regroup quickly if they are to bounce back in the second T20I.
Nepal vs West Indies Scoreboard
Nepal– 148/8 (20)
West Indies –129/9(20)
Result – Nepal won by 19 runs
Player of the Match – Rohit Paudel
Rohit Paudel
NEP vs WI Playing XIs
Nepal | Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Malla, Gulsan Jha, Sundeep Jora, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Nandan Yadav |
West Indies | Akeal Hosein (c), Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Amir Jangoo (wk), Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Fabian Allen, Obed McCoy, Ramon Simmonds, Navin Bidaisee |
Disclaimer: This match highlights reflect the author’s perspective and analysis. Viewers are encouraged to enjoy the coverage, reflect on the moments, and form their own conclusions.
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