Nepal denied T20 sweep by the West Indies

West Indies Crush Nepal in Final T20, but Series Belongs to the Rising Underdogs

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates – Nepal’s cricket team fell short of completing a historic clean sweep against the West Indies in their three-match Twenty20 series, as the Caribbean side salvaged some pride with a dominant 10-wicket victory in the final game on Tuesday. Despite the defeat, Nepal can look back proudly at a landmark achievement—clinching their first-ever series win against a full-member nation in the format.

The result, though heavy, did not take away from the resilience and promise Nepal displayed throughout the series. The 2-1 series victory stands as a monumental step for a team that has long been battling for recognition on the global cricket stage.

Nepal’s Bright Start and Sudden Collapse

Batting first, Nepal appeared to be on course for another competitive total. Captain Rohit Paudel’s men reached 84-3 and looked steady midway through the innings. However, what followed was a dramatic collapse that derailed their momentum entirely.

The turning point came when Gulsan Jha was run out, sparking panic in the Nepalese middle order. From a promising position, the side lost seven wickets in just six overs, folding for a modest 122.

Left-arm fast bowler Ramon Simmonds was the chief architect of Nepal’s downfall, producing a fiery spell of 4-15 in only three overs. His mix of pace and control proved too much for Nepal’s batters, who had previously shown courage against West Indies’ experienced bowling attack in the earlier matches.

“We needed one good partnership to take us past 150, but once the wickets started falling, we couldn’t recover,” Paudel admitted after the match.

A Commanding Reply from the West Indies

If Nepal had any hopes of defending 122, they were quickly dashed. The West Indies’ openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste stepped up to the occasion with a fearless display of power hitting and composure.

Jangoo, playing only his third T20 international, announced himself with a blistering unbeaten 74 from 45 balls, striking seven boundaries and five sixes. His partner Auguste, equally impressive in just his fourth T20 appearance, smashed 41 not out from 29 balls with three sixes and four boundaries.

Together, the pair raced to 123 without loss, chasing down the target with a staggering 7.4 overs to spare. The performance underscored the West Indies’ depth of talent, particularly among their younger players, and ensured they avoided the humiliation of a whitewash.

“This win gives us a little consolation,” said West Indies coach Daren Sammy. “Credit to Nepal for how they played the first two games, but today our young guns showed what they’re capable of.”

Nepal’s Historic Achievement

Although the final match ended in disappointment, the series as a whole marked a defining moment in Nepal’s cricketing journey. Their back-to-back wins in the opening games stunned the cricketing world, as the associate nation defeated the two-time T20 World Cup champions with conviction.

Rohit Paudel’s leadership has been a major factor in Nepal’s recent growth, and the contributions from both seasoned campaigners and emerging talents demonstrated that the team has the potential to consistently challenge bigger opponents.

“This series will give a lot of confidence to the boys,” Paudel reflected. “We would love to take this momentum onto the World Cup qualifiers. Playing against top-quality sides and winning gives us belief.”

What This Means for Nepal Cricket

Nepal’s performance is a significant step not just in terms of results but also in building global recognition. For years, the nation has been considered an enthusiastic cricket-loving country with passionate supporters, but its international success had been limited.

This breakthrough victory over the West Indies may accelerate Nepal’s path toward greater opportunities—more fixtures against top-tier teams, better financial backing, and increased interest from sponsors.

Moreover, for a side preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers, this series provided invaluable exposure to high-pressure situations. Players like Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Sandeep Lamichhane now have the experience of beating a full-member team, which can instill a much-needed winning mentality.

West Indies: A Reality Check

For the West Indies, the series defeat is a wake-up call ahead of major tournaments. Known for their flair and natural talent in T20 cricket, the Caribbean side has struggled in recent years with consistency and rebuilding after the retirement of several big names.

The emergence of young players like Jangoo and Auguste is encouraging, but the team will need stronger all-round performances to regain their dominance in the shortest format.

Looking Ahead

Nepal’s next challenge lies in the World Cup qualifiers, where they will aim to replicate their fearless approach and prove that the West Indies series was no one-off. Their passionate fan base, both at home and among the diaspora, will be eagerly watching as the team looks to take another big step on the world stage.

For the West Indies, the focus will be on regrouping, working on consistency, and giving more opportunities to fresh talent while keeping experienced campaigners in the mix.

The series may have ended with a lopsided scoreline in the final game, but it will be remembered for Nepal’s remarkable rise and the hope it brings to associate cricket nations worldwide.

Conclusion

While the West Indies celebrated a much-needed victory in Sharjah, the series will forever belong to Nepal. Their triumph has redefined expectations for smaller cricketing nations and reinforced the belief that with discipline, talent, and determination, they can compete with and even beat the giants of the sport.

As captain Rohit Paudel summed it up: “We’ve shown what Nepal cricket is capable of, but this is only the beginning. We want to keep pushing forward.”

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