West Indies A defeated Nepal by 76 runs in their third match of the five-match T20 series played at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu on Wednesday. The visitors set a commendable 228-run target for the Rhinos and bundled them for 151 runs to lead the series 2-1.

Opting to bat first, West Indies A got off to a steady start with opener Alick Athanaze scoring 17 runs off 10 deliveries with two hits to the fence and a six before being run out in 3.1 overs.

Despite the early setback, the West Indies refused to be deterred. Athanaze’s opening partner Johnson Charles took charge and completed a century. Charles remained unbeaten at 119 runs off just 61 deliveries with 13 boundaries and seven sixes.

Andre Fletcher supported Charles from the other end. Fletcher contributed a valuable 53 runs off 33 balls, smashing four fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Sagar Dhakal in 15.5 overs. 

Fabian Allen and Keemo Paul made crucial runs, with Allen scoring 19 off nine balls and Paul adding a quick-fire 13 runs off seven deliveries. Allen lost his wicket to Karan KC in 18.2 overs as the visitors notched up 227-3 in their allotted 20 overs.

For Nepal, Karan KC and Sagar Dhakal picked up a wicket each.

Chasing a challenging total, openers Lokesh Bam and Binod Bhandari tried to provide a steady foundation at the crease. However, Bam departed after scoring 28 runs off 29 deliveries. Bhandari, on the other hand, scored 19 runs off 15 balls before falling victim to Fabian Allen in 3.6 overs.

Despite the early setbacks, Anil Sah and Kushal Malla attempted to stabilise the innings. Sah contributed 14 runs off 10 deliveries, while Malla made brisk 20 runs off 11 balls, including two boundaries and a six. However, the West Indies A bowlers consistently picked wickets.

Gulsan Jha, Bibek Yadav and skipper Dipendra Singh Airee tried to keep the scoreboard ticking. But their efforts were thwarted by the relentless bowling attack.

Karan KC provided a glimmer of hope with a blistering 28 runs off just 17 deliveries, which included three boundaries and a six. However, his effort proved to be in vain as wickets continued to tumble at the other end.

Nepal eventually were bowled out for 151 runs in 19.2 overs, falling short of the target by 76 runs.

For West Indies, Hayden Walsh claimed three crucial wickets in his four-over spell. Gudakesh Motie sent two Nepali batters back to the pavilion as Matthew Forde, Obed McCoy and Fabian Allen took a wicket apiece.