Introduction: An Unforgettable Day for Nepal Cricket
Nepal’s cricketing journey, which just a decade ago was on the fringes of global recognition, has now reached the front pages of international sports media. On September 29, 2025, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Rhinos not only defeated the mighty West Indies by an emphatic margin but also clinched a historic T20I series—with one game still to play. The victory wasn’t just about numbers; it was about intent, talent, and the rise of a new contender in world cricket.kathmandupost+1
Match Overview: The Scorecard Tells the Story
A full breakdown of match stats highlights just how dominant Nepal was across all departments. Below is an easy reference table with the detailed scorecard:
Team | Innings | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Top Scorer(s) | Best Bowler(s) |
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Nepal | 1st | 173 | 6 | 20.0 | Aasif Sheikh (68*), Sundeep Jora (63) | Mohammad Aadil Alam (4-24), Kushal Bhurtel (3-16) |
West Indies | 2nd | 83 | 10 | 17.1 | Jason Holder (21) | Akeal Hosein (2-21) |
Nepal won by 90 runs.news18+4
Nepal Innings: Resilience Amid Early Pressure
Nepal elected to bat first and, at 43/3 within seven overs, the pressure on the batting order was immense. Captain Rohit Paudel and opener Kushal Bhurtel departed early, with the West Indies bowlers testing the top order. What followed, however, was one of the most crucial partnerships in Nepal’s cricketing annals.espncricinfo+2
Key Partnership That Changed the Game
Aasif Sheikh (68* off 47) and Sundeep Jora (63 off 39) built a 100-run fourth-wicket stand. Jora played the aggressor, sending five towering sixes into the stands, while Sheikh anchored, rotating the strike and accelerating smartly at the death. Their partnership steered Nepal from precarious territory to a match-winning total.icc-cricket+2
Strong Finish
Aadil Alam provided a late cameo, adding quick runs to push Nepal past the 170 mark. The result was a competitive 173 for 6, giving their bowlers a real target to defend.news18+1
West Indies’ Disastrous Chase: Collapse Under Pressure
A target of 174 is gettable for the West Indies, a team with deep experience and a legacy of powerful hitting. However, the Nepalese bowlers struck early and often, capitalizing on every chance.
Wickets Fall Like Ninepins
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Dipendra Singh Airee removed opener Jewel Andrew cheaply.
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Karan KC and Aadil Alam tightened the noose, sending back Keacy Carty and Kyle Mayers.
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By the 10th over, West Indies were tottering at 50/4.bbc+2
Alam and Bhurtel Shine with the Ball
Alam ripped through the middle order, finishing with figures of 4-24, while Bhurtel picked up three, including key wickets of experienced campaigners. Jason Holder did try to mount a resistance with 21 off 15 balls, but once he fell to Rajbanshi, the West Indies lost their remaining wickets rapidly.cricbuzz+2
Historic Defeat for a Former Champion
Bundled out for just 83 in 17.1 overs, this performance became the lowest total by a full member against an associate team—a sobering stat for West Indies cricket and a badge of honor for Nepal.bbc+2
Full Batting and Bowling Scorecard: Nepal vs West Indies, 2nd T20I
Nepal Batting
Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kushal Bhurtel | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 33 |
Aasif Sheikh* | 68 | 47 | 6 | 2 | 145 |
Rohit Paudel (c) | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
Sundeep Jora | 63 | 39 | 4 | 5 | 161 |
Kushal Malla | 11 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 138 |
Aadil Alam | 11 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 183 |
Dipendra Singh Airee | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75 |
Extras: 9
Total: 173/6 (20 Overs)kathmandupost+3
West Indies Bowling
Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
---|---|---|---|
Akeal Hosein | 4 | 21 | 2 |
Kyle Mayers | 4 | 28 | 1 |
Jason Holder | 4 | 35 | 1 |
Fabian Allen | 4 | 38 | 1 |
Motara | 4 | 36 | 1 |
West Indies Batting
Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyle Mayers | 6 | 16 | 1 | 0 | b Alam |
Amir Jangoo | 15 | 11 | 2 | 0 | b Bhurtel |
Jewel Andrew | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | c Sheikh b Airee |
Keacy Carty | 7 | 8 | 1 | 0 | b KC |
Ackeem Auguste | 9 | 13 | 1 | 0 | b Alam |
Jason Holder | 21 | 15 | 3 | 1 | c Sheikh b Rajbanshi |
Fabian Allen | 8 | 14 | 1 | 0 | b Bhurtel |
Navin Bidaisee | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | b Alam |
Akeal Hosein | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | b Bhurtel |
Zishan Motara | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | b Bhurtel |
Jediah Blades | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Not Out |
Extras: 5
Total: 83/10 (17.1 Overs)icc-cricket+4
Nepal Bowling
Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
---|---|---|---|
Dipendra Singh Airee | 2 | 10 | 1 |
Karan KC | 3 | 17 | 1 |
Mohammad Aadil Alam | 4 | 24 | 4 |
Kushal Bhurtel | 2.1 | 16 | 3 |
Lalit Rajbanshi | 3 | 11 | 1 |
In-Depth Analysis: Key Moments and Turning Points
How Nepal Piled Pressure on West Indies
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Tactical Brilliance from Start to Finish: Opting to bat first on a dry Sharjah surface, Nepal’s top-order blip was expertly managed by their middle order. The team’s analysis of West Indies’ bowling led to selective aggression—especially targeting spin after the powerplay.
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Discipline with the Ball: Nepal’s bowlers maintained their lines and attacked the stumps, exploiting West Indies’ vulnerabilities under pressure. Alam consistently hit a back-of-a-length and mixed up his pace, making it tough for power-hitters.kathmandupost+1
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Fielding Intensity: Nepal’s energy in the field, illustrated by multiple diving stops and sharp run-outs, stood out. West Indies, conversely, fumbled under the weight of expectation and tight Nepal defense.bbc+1
Records Shattered
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Largest victory by an associate team over a full ICC member (90 runs).icc-cricket+1
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West Indies’ lowest T20I total against an associate side (83 all out).espncricinfo+2
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First-ever bilateral T20I series win by Nepal against a full member nation.kathmandupost+1
What Does This Mean for World Cricket?
Nepal’s Ascendancy
Nepal’s win signals a shift in cricket’s global order. Associate teams are no longer mere participants—they are genuine competitors. With a young core and fearless approach, Nepal’s qualification campaign for the 2026 T20 World Cup just gained momentum.espncricinfo+2
Alarm Bells for West Indies
For the West Indies, this defeat—on the back of missing the 2023 ODI World Cup and a string of poor Test performances—sparks soul searching. Cricket West Indies convened an urgent review, reportedly involving legends such as Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara, to address recurring issues.espncricinfo+1
Voices from the Ground
Rohit Paudel (Nepal Captain):
“I am very proud of the boys. We took our chances, assessed the conditions quickly, and showed that Nepal can compete with the world’s best.”news18
Akeal Hosein (West Indies Captain):
“We have to show more hunger. Nepal played the better cricket and fully deserved the win. As a team, we have to regroup.”news18
Why This Match Will Be Remembered
Few matches rewrite cricket’s pecking order, but Nepal’s 90-run win over West Indies will be the benchmark for associate ambition for years to come. Unyielding belief, tactical clarity, and disciplined execution—these elements shaped not just a match, but a future narrative of global cricketing possibility.icc-cricket+3
Conclusion: A Story for the Ages
Cricket is richer for days like this. Nepal’s triumph at Sharjah will encourage every associate nation chasing cricket’s upper echelons, and will force established teams to respect every opponent, regardless of history or ranking. As fans and analysts alike celebrate this epic, one thing is clear—Nepal’s golden generation is here, and world cricket will never be the sa
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