Nepal batter woeful WI by 90 runs

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates:

Nepal humbled the West Indies by a staggering 90 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Ground yesterday, sealing a historic, unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20 International cricket series.

In a landmark achievement, the Rohit Paudel-led side has become the first-ever associate nation to win a bilateral series against the West Indies in any format, cementing their place in the sport's record books.

Nepal's 90-run win was also the biggest by runs by an associate team against a full member in T20s.

"For us, it's just about understanding really fast that this is international cricket," West Indies captain Akeal Hosein said. "If you try to benchmark yourself here and can't match the level, then you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you're really international material."

After deciding to take the first strike, Nepal's innings began on shaky ground. The early losses of Kushal Bhurtel for two and captain Paudel three to Hosein, followed by an unfortunate run-out of Kushal Malla, left the scoreboard reading a precarious 43-3.

FIGHTBACK

However, from the brink of collapse, a magnificent fightback ensued.

Opener Aasif Sheikh anchored the innings with immense composure, crafting an unbeaten 68 from 47 deliveries for his eighth T20I half-century.

He found the perfect partner in Sundeep Jora, who launched a blistering counter-attack. Jora bludgeoned the West Indies attack, smashing five sixes and three fours on his way to a career-best 63 off just 39 balls.

Their brilliant 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket rescued Nepal and propelled them to a highly competitive 173-6.

DISASTER

In reply, the West Indies' chase was a disaster from the start, as the regional side seemed at sea at the seam and spin bowling barrage from the host.

The scorecard made for grim reading for Caribbean fans, with only three players, Jason Holder 21, Ackeem Auguste 17, and Amir Jangoo 16, managing to reach double figures.

The innings folded for a meagre 83 in just 17.1 overs, much to the delight of a vibrant and cheering Nepali crowd in Sharjah.

Nepal's bowling attack was clinical. Debutant Mohammad Aadil Alam, a late replacement, was the chief destroyer with a spectacular haul of 4-24, while part-time leg-spinner Kushal Bhurtel redeemed himself with a sharp spell of 3-16.

"We are very happy," Paudel said. "It took a lot to win against a Test-playing country.

"This was a very important series for us to showcase our cricket and talent to the world. The way we've been playing the last two or three years, lots of eyes are on us."

The teams will now meet for the final match today, with Nepal eyeing a historic series sweep.

"The motivation is to complete a clean sweep," Paudel said. -CMC