Nepal Celebrates Historic Cricket Victory Over West Indies
Cricket fans in Nepal are in a state of jubilation following their national team’s groundbreaking victory over the West Indies in a T20 international match. This win marks a significant milestone as it is Nepal’s first-ever triumph against a Test-playing nation. The match, held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, saw Nepal defeat the two-time world champions by 19 runs, igniting celebrations both in the stadium and across the Himalayan nation.
A Momentous Match
On September 27, 2025, Nepal faced off against the West Indies in the first of a three-match T20I series. After being invited to bat first, Nepal set a competitive total of 148 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel led the charge with a commendable 38 runs, while middle-order batter Kushal Malla contributed 30 runs to the total.
The West Indies, known for their cricketing prowess and having won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016, were expected to chase down the target with relative ease. However, Nepal’s bowlers delivered a spirited performance, with Kushal Bhurtel taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. The team’s collective effort in both batting and bowling proved crucial in securing this historic win.
Celebrations Erupt
The atmosphere in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium was electric, with Nepali fans cheering passionately for their team. The celebrations continued long into the night, with jubilant supporters back home in Nepal waving flags and donning replica team shirts. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages, showcasing the pride and joy felt by fans across the nation.
Pujan Thapa, a 27-year-old fan who watched the match in Kathmandu, expressed his disbelief and excitement. “It was not expected, but as the game progressed, we saw there was a chance we could win. We were so happy, we stood up and danced,” he said.
A Symbol of Resilience
This victory comes at a time when Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of deadly anti-corruption protests that resulted in the loss of at least 72 lives and led to the fall of the government. In a poignant moment, Captain Rohit Paudel dedicated the win to the protesters who lost their lives, stating it was for “the martyrs back home.” He expressed hope that the victory could bring a little happiness to the grieving nation.
Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal, emphasized the significance of this win for the country’s cricketing future. “It is a historic win for us and helps improve our players’ standing in the cricketing world,” he told AFP.
The Rise of Nepali Cricket
Cricket has been steadily gaining popularity in Nepal, particularly since the country was granted One Day International (ODI) status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018. The national team made its T20 World Cup debut in 2014 and returned to the tournament in 2024, where they came agonizingly close to defeating eventual finalists South Africa.
The recent victory over the West Indies is not just a win on the scoreboard; it symbolizes the growth and potential of cricket in Nepal. Former chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary remarked that this win is a testament to the team’s hard work and will serve as motivation for young cricketers in the country.
Historical Context
Nepal’s cricketing journey has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. The country has a rich history of cricket, but it has often been overshadowed by larger cricketing nations. The win against the West Indies is a turning point, reminiscent of other underdog stories in sports history, such as Greece’s victory in the 2004 UEFA European Championship or Leicester City’s triumph in the 2015-2016 Premier League season.
These moments serve as reminders that with determination and teamwork, even the most unlikely teams can achieve greatness. Nepal’s victory is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes in the country, showcasing that hard work and perseverance can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Conclusion
Nepal’s historic win over the West Indies is more than just a cricket match; it is a celebration of national pride, resilience, and the spirit of sportsmanship. As the team prepares for the next matches in the series, the hope is that this victory will inspire a new generation of cricketers and unite the nation in its love for the sport. The echoes of celebration will likely resonate for years to come, marking a new chapter in Nepal’s cricketing history.
