Sharjah, UAE – September 27, 2025
Nepal’s cricket team achieved a milestone moment in its international journey by defeating the mighty West Indies by 19 runs in the opening game of the Unity Cup T20I series 2025. This historic victory not only gave Nepal a 1–0 lead in the 3-match series but also showcased their growing strength on the global cricket stage.
Toss and First Innings – Nepal’s Fighting Total
West Indies skipper won the toss and decided to bowl first, looking to exploit early conditions. However, Nepal’s top order stood firm against a world-class bowling attack.
- Rohit Paudel (38 runs), the young captain, once again proved his mettle with a composed knock.
- Gyanendra Malla (30 runs) supported him well in the middle overs.
- Despite a few quick wickets, Nepal’s lower order chipped in crucial runs to push the total to 148/8 in 20 overs.
For West Indies, Jason Holder was outstanding, grabbing 4 wickets for just 20 runs, troubling the Nepali batters with pace and bounce.
West Indies’ Chase – Nepal’s Bowlers Shine
Chasing 149, West Indies were expected to dominate, but Nepal’s bowlers delivered a spirited performance.
- Bidaisee (22 runs) was the top scorer for West Indies, but none of the other batters could convert their starts.
- Nepal’s fielding was sharp, with direct hits and athletic catches that kept the pressure mounting.
- Kushal Bhurtel picked 2 key wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit, including Sompal Kami and Lalit Rajbanshi, maintained discipline.
West Indies ended their innings at 129/9 in 20 overs, falling short by 19 runs.
Result & Impact
- Nepal won by 19 runs
- Series standing: Nepal leads 1–0 in the 3-match Unity Cup T20I series
This victory was not just a win on the scoreboard—it was a message to the cricketing world. For a rising team like Nepal, defeating a former World Cup champion side is a massive boost.
Full Scorecard – Nepal vs West Indies, 1st T20I (Unity Cup 2025)
Nepal
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | 20 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 133.3 |
| Rohit Paudel (c) | 38 | 34 | 2 | 1 | 111.7 |
| Gyanendra Malla | 30 | 27 | 2 | 1 | 111.1 |
| Aasif Sheikh (wk) | 12 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 85.7 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 11 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 122.2 |
| Karan KC | 9 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 128.6 |
| Sompal Kami | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 116.7 |
| Lalit Rajbanshi | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 150.0 |
| Others | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 |
| Extras | 11 | – | – | – | – |
Total: 148/8 in 20 overs
Bowling – West Indies
| Bowler | O | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Holder | 4 | 20 | 4 | 5.00 |
| Romario Shepherd | 4 | 28 | 2 | 7.00 |
| Hayden Walsh | 4 | 32 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Obed McCoy | 4 | 34 | 1 | 8.50 |
| Others | 4 | 34 | 0 | 8.50 |
West Indies Innings – 129/9 (20 overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navin Bidaisee | 22 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 122.2 |
| Sunil Ambris | 18 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 90.0 |
| Sherfane Rutherford | 15 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 125.0 |
| Jason Holder | 14 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 140.0 |
| Roston Chase | 13 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 118.2 |
| Romario Shepherd | 10 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 125.0 |
| Others | 20 | 21 | – | – | – |
| Extras | 17 | – | – | – | – |
Total: 129/9 in 20 overs
Bowling – Nepal
| Bowler | O | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | 4 | 21 | 2 | 5.25 |
| Sompal Kami | 4 | 25 | 1 | 6.25 |
| Lalit Rajbanshi | 4 | 23 | 1 | 5.75 |
| Karan KC | 4 | 28 | 1 | 7.00 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 2 | 15 | 1 | 7.50 |
| Others | 2 | 17 | 0 | 8.50 |
Match Result
Nepal won by 19 runs
Nepal leads the 3-match Unity Cup T20I series 1–0.
Why This Win Matters for Nepal Cricket
- First Bilateral Win vs Full Member: This is Nepal’s maiden victory against a Test-playing nation in a bilateral T20I series.
- Confidence Booster: The result builds confidence ahead of bigger tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
- Global Recognition: Such wins increase Nepal’s visibility in the cricketing world, attracting more international series and exposure.
- Fan Celebration: Cricket is hugely popular in Nepal, and this win will inspire a new generation of players and fans.
Reactions & Social Buzz
The win sparked massive celebrations among Nepali fans both at home and abroad. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages. Cricket experts hailed Nepal’s fighting spirit and described the victory as a “turning point” in their cricketing journey.
Looking Ahead – 2nd T20I
Nepal now leads the series 1–0, and the focus shifts to the second T20I, where West Indies will be desperate to bounce back. For Nepal, consistency will be key, and another win could seal a historic series triumph.