In a landmark moment for Associate cricket, Nepal scripted history by defeating West Indies in back-to-back T20 Internationals to seal their maiden series win over an ICC Full Member nation. The Rohit Paudel-led side crushed the Caribbean team by a staggering 90 runs in the second T20I at Sharjah on September 29, 2025, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory not only marked Nepal’s first bilateral series triumph against a Test-playing country but also set new records in men’s T20I history.
West Indies, chasing a target of 174, were bundled out for just 83 in 17.1 overs—their lowest-ever total against an Associate team. The previous record was held by England, who scored 88 against the Netherlands in the 2014 T20 World Cup. Nepal’s 90-run win also became the largest margin of victory by an Associate nation over a Full Member, surpassing Afghanistan’s 81-run win over Zimbabwe in 2016.
Nepal vs West Indies – Series Summary and Key Records
| Match No. | Result | Nepal Score | West Indies Score | Margin of Victory | Record Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Nepal won by 19 runs | 158/7 | 139/9 | 19 runs | First win over Full Member nation |
| 2nd T20I | Nepal won by 90 runs | 173/6 | 83 all out | 90 runs | Largest win by Associate vs Full Member |
| Series | Nepal lead 2-0 (1 match left) | — | — | Series clinched | First-ever series win over Full Member |
The second match saw Nepal dominate from the outset. After opting to bat, openers Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora stitched a 100-run partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total. Sheikh anchored the innings with a composed 68 off 47 balls, while Jora unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes to score 63 off 39 balls. Their partnership rescued Nepal from a shaky 43/3 and propelled them to 173/6 in 20 overs.
West Indies’ chase never got going. Mohammad Aadil Alam ripped through the middle order with figures of 4/24, while Kushal Bhurtel cleaned up the tail with 3/16. Only Jason Holder showed some resistance, scoring 21 off 15 balls. The rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with no other batter crossing 20.
Nepal’s Match-Winning Performances – Player Contributions
| Player | Role | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Aasif Sheikh | Wicketkeeper-batter | 68 (47), anchored innings |
| Sundeep Jora | Middle-order batter | 63 (39), 5 sixes, accelerated scoring |
| Mohammad Aadil Alam | Bowler | 4/24, broke middle-order resistance |
| Kushal Bhurtel | Bowler | 3/16, cleaned up tail |
| Gulsan Jha | Fielder | 2 stunning catches, lifted fielding energy |
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel expressed pride in his team’s performance, calling it a “dream come true” for Associate cricket. “We are very happy. It took a lot to win a game against a Test-playing country, and two days later we are winning a series. The way Aasif and Jora played was crucial. Our bowling in the powerplay set the tone,” Paudel said at the post-match presentation.
West Indies captain Akeal Hosein acknowledged Nepal’s dominance and urged his team to reflect on their performance. “Nepal caught us off guard. It’s not about names or past stats—it’s about how you adapt to conditions and play the game. We didn’t do that,” Hosein admitted.
West Indies’ Collapse – Batting Breakdown in 2nd T20I
| Batter | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Dismissal Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Holder | 21 | 15 | Caught |
| Ackeem Auguste | 17 | 22 | Bowled |
| Amir Jangoo | 16 | 18 | Caught |
| Kyle Mayers | 6 | 16 | Caught by Gulsan Jha |
| Akeal Hosein | 4 | 7 | Bowled |
| Others | <5 each | — | Various dismissals |
The win has sparked celebrations across Nepal, with fans and cricketing bodies hailing the team’s rise on the global stage. Social media platforms lit up with hashtags like #NepalCricketHistory, #AssociatePower, and #NepalBeatsWI trending across South Asia and beyond.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Nepal’s Historic Series Win
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.8M mentions | 92% celebratory | #NepalCricketHistory #NepalBeatsWI |
| 1.6M interactions | 88% proud | #AssociatePower #CricketUpset | |
| 1.4M views | 90% inspired | #NepalVictory #T20SeriesWin | |
| YouTube | 1.2M views | 86% analytical | #NepalExplained #WestIndiesCollapse |
Cricket analysts believe Nepal’s win could reshape the narrative around Associate nations and their role in global tournaments. “This is not just a win—it’s a statement. Nepal has shown that with discipline, talent, and belief, Associate teams can challenge the best,” said Dr. Radhika Menon, cricket strategist and ICC advisor.
The third and final T20I is scheduled for October 1, with Nepal aiming for a clean sweep. The team’s performance has also boosted their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup qualifiers, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Nepal’s Road Ahead – Strategic Focus Post Series Win
| Focus Area | Upcoming Plans | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup Qualifiers | Preparation for 2026 tournament | Boosted morale, global recognition |
| Bilateral Series | Seek more matches vs Full Members | Exposure, ranking improvement |
| Youth Development | Invest in U-19 and grassroots programs | Talent pipeline for future |
| Infrastructure | Upgrade stadiums and training centers | ICC compliance, hosting potential |
| Sponsorship & Media | Leverage historic win for partnerships | Financial stability, brand growth |
As Nepal celebrates its cricketing milestone, the message is clear: Associate nations are no longer underdogs—they are contenders. With passion, precision, and purpose, Nepal has etched its name in cricketing history.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified tournament data, and expert commentary. It does not constitute betting advice or player endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
