Cricket fans across Nepal are rejoicing after their team secured a historic T20 international victory against the West Indies — marking the nation’s first-ever win over a Test-playing side.
On Saturday in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Nepal outplayed the two-time world champions, clinching a 19-run triumph in the opening match of their three-game T20I series.
Nepali supporters roared with joy inside the Sharjah Cricket Stadium long after the match concluded, and the celebrations carried on through the night back home.
Batting first, Nepal set a challenging target of 148 for eight in their 20 overs, with skipper Rohit Paudel scoring 38 and middle-order batter Kushal Malla adding 30 runs.
The Rhinos followed up with an energetic display in the field, as their bowlers kept the two-time T20 World Cup champions of 2012 and 2016 in check. Kushal Bhurtel starred with an impressive spell of 2 for 17 from his four overs.The victory marks a significant milestone for Nepal’s rapidly growing cricketing journey.
“This is a historic achievement for us and will boost our players’ reputation on the global stage,” said Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal, in an interview with AFP.
Television footage showed enthusiastic Nepali supporters wearing replica jerseys, waving national flags, and cheering passionately from the stands.“It wasn’t something we expected at first, but as the match went on, we realized there was a real chance of victory,” said 27-year-old Pujan Thapa, who enjoyed the game on TV in Kathmandu with family and friends.“We were so delighted that we couldn’t help but get up and dance.”
The triumph arrived at a sensitive time for Nepal, which is still recovering from anti-corruption demonstrations that claimed more than 70 lives and forced the government out of power.
Skipper Rohit Paudel dedicated the victory to those who lost their lives during the unrest, calling them “the martyrs back home,” and expressed hope that the win might bring a moment of joy to the people.
Former national chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary praised the achievement, describing it as the outcome of the players’ dedication and effort.
“This success will encourage the team to keep improving and serve as an inspiration for upcoming cricketers,” he noted.
Support poured in on social media, where fans and well-wishers celebrated the team’s historic performance.
Cricket’s following has been steadily growing in Nepal, especially since the ICC granted the country one-day international status in 2018.
Nepal first featured in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014 and returned a decade later in 2024, where they nearly defeated South Africa, the eventual finalists.
