Nepal defeated West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series in Sharjah on Saturday, taking a 1-0 lead. This marks Nepal’s first-ever victory over a Test nation. 

Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal posted 148 for eight in their 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 38 off 35 balls, while Kushal Malla struck 30 from 21 and Gulsan Jha added 22. Despite a shaky start at 12 for two, the middle order steadied the innings. Jason Holder was the pick of the West Indies attack, finishing with four wickets for 20, while debutant Navin Bidaisee took three for 29.

Chasing 149, West Indies faltered against Nepal’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, eventually finishing on 129 for nine. Kyle Mayers was run out cheaply, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Amir Jangoo made 19, Bidaisee 22, and Fabian Allen 19, but none could anchor the chase. Captain Akeal Hosein briefly raised hopes with 18 off nine balls, but his dismissal to Karan KC sealed the result.

Kushal Bhurtel contributed with the ball, claiming two for 17 in four overs, while Lalit Rajbanshi, Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, and Nandan Yadav picked up one wicket each. Nepal’s fielding also proved decisive, with two crucial run-outs.

Paudel, who also claimed the wicket of Jewel Andrew, was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

This was Nepal’s first T20I win over West Indies, and it came with a disciplined showing against a side known for its power hitting. The teams will meet again in Sharjah on Monday for the second T20I, where Nepal will look to clinch the series while West Indies aim to level it.