KATHMANDU: Nepal recorded a historic victory in the first T20 match of the Unity Cup, defeating the West Indies by 19 runs. The match was played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Chasing a target of 149 runs set by Nepal, the West Indies were restricted to 129 for 9 in the allotted 20 overs. For the West Indies, Nabin Bidayasi top-scored with 22 runs, while Amir Jango and KC Carty contributed 19 runs each.
Nepal’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance. Kushal Bhurtel claimed two wickets, while skipper Rohit Paudel, Karan KC, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Nandan Yadav each took one wicket.
Earlier, Nepal were invited to bat first after losing the toss and posted 148 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs.
Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front, scoring a team-high 38 runs off 35 balls, including three fours and a six. Kushal Malla contributed 30 runs from 21 balls with two fours and two sixes. Gulshan Jha added 22 runs, while Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with 17.
For the West Indies, Jason Holder was the standout bowler, taking four wickets. Bidayasi picked up three, and captain Akeal Hosein took one.
This match marks a milestone in Nepali cricket history, as it is the first time Nepal has faced the two-time T20 World Cup champions, the West Indies, in an international fixture.
Nepal is playing a three-match T20 International series against the West Indies as part of its preparation for the ICC T20 Asia Cup Regional Qualifiers, which will begin in Oman next week.
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