Nepal made history by winning the Unity Cup T20I series 2–1 against West Indies in Sharjah. Read on for match reports, player highlights & what it means for Nepali cricket.
Nepali cricket has entered a new era of glory. In Sharjah, the Rhinos stunned the cricketing world by defeating the mighty West Indies 2–1 in the Unity Cup T20I series 2025, making it their first-ever bilateral series win over a full ICC member nation. The victory not only highlighted Nepal’s growing cricketing potential but also sent a strong message that the country is ready to compete with the giants of world cricket.
The Build-Up: Why the Unity Cup Mattered
The Unity Cup was the first bilateral T20I series between Nepal and West Indies, staged at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. For Nepal, this series was more than just cricket — it was a chance to test themselves against world-class opposition, prove their strength, and inspire millions of fans back home.
For West Indies, the series was seen as an opportunity to test bench strength and expose younger players to competitive conditions. However, what looked like a routine series on paper soon turned into one of the most memorable cricket stories of 2025.
Match-by-Match Highlights
1st T20I: Nepal’s First Shock to the Giants
Nepal began the series with a bang, defeating West Indies by 19 runs. It was a day of history-making as the Rhinos secured their first T20I win over a full ICC member nation. Nepal’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, while the batsmen put up just enough runs to pressure the opposition.
The victory sparked celebrations across Nepal. It was no longer a dream — Nepal had arrived on the world stage.
2nd T20I: Series Sealed in Style
The second match turned out to be the defining moment of the Unity Cup. Batting first, Nepal were in early trouble after losing two wickets cheaply. But Aasif Sheikh played the innings of his life, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 68 off 47 balls, supported by Sundeep Jora’s quick 30s. Their stand carried Nepal to a competitive 173/6.
In reply, West Indies crumbled. Nepal’s bowling hero was Mohammad Aadil Alam, who ripped through the middle order with figures of 4 for 24. Supported by Kushal Bhurtel and Lalit Rajbanshi, Nepal bowled out West Indies for just 83 runs in 17.1 overs, sealing a 90-run victory.
This win meant Nepal had already clinched the series 2–0 — a feat no one had predicted. It was more than a win; it was a statement of intent from an associate nation hungry for recognition.
3rd T20I: West Indies Salvage Pride
With the series already lost, West Indies came out determined in the third T20I. Nepal’s batting faltered, managing only 122 all out in 19.5 overs. This time, the Caribbean batsmen showed their firepower. Amir Jangoo smashed 74 not out, while Ackeem Auguste scored 41 not out, guiding the team to a 10-wicket victory in just 12.2 overs.
While West Indies avoided a whitewash, the Unity Cup trophy still belonged to Nepal, with the series ending 2–1.
Star Performers of the Unity Cup
The series showcased emerging talent and individual brilliance on both sides.
- Aasif Sheikh (Nepal): Match-winning 68* in the second T20I, anchoring Nepal’s batting.
- Sundeep Jora (Nepal): Nepal’s top scorer of the series with 86 runs, showing consistency.
- Mohammad Aadil Alam (Nepal): Game-changing spell of 4/24 in the second T20I.
- Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal): Most wickets for Nepal (5 in the series), building pressure up front.
- Amir Jangoo (West Indies): Series’ top run-scorer with 109 runs, including a stunning 74* in the last game.
- Jason Holder (West Indies): Led the bowling attack with 5 wickets across matches.
The balance of batting and bowling was key to Nepal’s success, while West Indies depended heavily on individual performances.
Why This Win Matters for Nepal
This historic triumph is far bigger than just a cricket scoreline.
- Boost to Global Recognition
Nepal has long been pushing for more bilateral series and greater recognition. Defeating a two-time T20 World Cup champion in a series proves that they deserve a bigger place in world cricket. - Test Status Aspirations
One of the prerequisites for ICC Test membership is consistently beating full-member nations. This series strengthens Nepal’s argument for long-term elevation in the cricketing hierarchy. - Inspiration at Home
Millions of Nepali fans celebrated the victory. Young cricketers across the country now have proof that they can compete at the highest level. - Investment and Growth
Such victories attract sponsors, media attention, and government interest. More funding could mean better infrastructure, coaching, and domestic systems.
What It Means for West Indies
For West Indies, the series was a reality check. Despite fielding some debutants and experimenting with combinations, losing to an associate nation is a wake-up call.
- Their batting line-up lacked consistency outside of Amir Jangoo.
- Their bowlers struggled to contain Nepal’s middle order under pressure.
- A strong win in the last match showed resilience, but inconsistency remains a major concern.
The West Indies Cricket Board will need to rethink strategies to ensure their depth and younger talent can step up in future international matches.
Global Impact of the Series
The Unity Cup result may change how full-member nations approach cricket with associate sides. It proves that cricket’s competitive balance is shifting, and emerging nations like Nepal, Ireland, and Scotland are ready to challenge traditional giants.
This outcome could also encourage the ICC to schedule more bilateral series involving associates, rather than restricting them to qualifiers and tournaments. The more exposure these teams get, the stronger global cricket becomes.
Looking Ahead
- For Nepal: The next challenge will be to maintain consistency. With World Cup qualifiers and upcoming series in the pipeline, Nepal must build on this momentum and avoid complacency.
- For West Indies: They will regroup and aim to bounce back in upcoming international fixtures. Strengthening domestic pipelines and ensuring senior players guide youngsters will be key.
Conclusion
The Unity Cup 2025 will forever be etched in Nepal’s cricketing history. By defeating the West Indies 2–1, Nepal didn’t just win a series — they won global respect, belief, and hope for a brighter future.
For the fans, it was a dream come true. For the players, it was the reward for years of hard work. And for the cricketing world, it was a reminder: never underestimate the underdogs.
Nepal’s rise has just begun, and the Unity Cup may well be remembered as the turning point that changed their cricketing destiny.