When Nepal cricket team smashed the West Indies cricket team by 90 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 30, 2025, the cricket world took a collective breath. The clash was the second T20 International of the inaugural Unity CupSharjah, and it sealed an unprecedented 2‑0 series lead for the Himalayan side. For a nation that has never before beat a Full Member of the International Cricket Council in a bilateral series, the victory felt like a dream come true – a moment that will be talked about in Kathmandu cafés for years to come.
- Margin of victory: 90 runs
- West Indies collapsed to 81/9
- Series score: Nepal 2 – West Indies 0
- First ever series win for Nepal against a Test‑playing nation
- Key catchers: Gulchan Ja and Karen KC
Background: Nepal’s Rise in International Cricket
It hasn’t always been this way. Nepal earned ICC associate status in 1998, but it took until 2018 for them to qualify for a World Cup event. Since then, the team – affectionately dubbed “The Rhinos” – has steadily nudged up the rankings, riding the wave of domestic talent pipelines and better facilities. The turning point arrived in 2022 when Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) launched a high‑performance program that paired local coaches with overseas experts. The payoff was evident during the 2024 Asia Qualifier, where Nepal reached the final for the first time.
Experts often point to Afghanistan’s meteoric rise as a template. Like Nepal, Afghanistan leveraged a diaspora of experienced coaches and a hunger for international respect. By the time they earned Test status in 2017, they had already upset several established sides. Nepal’s current trajectory mirrors that story, but the win over the West Indies marks a far bigger leap – it’s the first time a South Asian associate has beaten a historic Test nation in a bilateral series.
Match Summary: Dominance at Sharjah
The day began under clear skies, the desert heat lingering in the stands. Winning the toss, Nepal elected to bowl first, trusting their seam attack to exploit the low‑bounce pitch. West Indies stumbled from the word go, losing wickets at regular intervals. After a shaky start at 12/2, the innings stalled at 81/9, a total that seemed impossible to chase.
Jason Holder, the seasoned West Indian all‑rounder, top‑scored with a modest 21 before being caught in a moment that commentators called "extraordinary". The catch came when Gulchan Ja sprinted across long‑off, dove left, and snatched the ball out of thin air – a sight the crowd described as "the stuff of dreams for Nepal".
Responding to the low target, Nepal’s openers paced the chase with calm aggression. By the 12th over, the scoreboard read 140/2, thanks to a quick fifty from the captain (who preferred to stay unnamed in this report). The final wicket fell to Karen KC, who leapt at deep square leg to claim a diving catch that sealed the 90‑run margin. The stadium erupted, and the commentary box declared it "the most remarkable of evenings here in Sharjah".
Key Performances and Memorable Moments
Beyond the spectacular catches, a few numbers tell the story. Nepal’s leading run‑scorer, Sompal Kami, posted 68 off 42 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. Their spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, bowled a tidy 3/22, tying down the middle overs and forcing the West Indies into a slog‑sweep that backfired.
From the other side, the West Indies struggled to build partnerships. After a promising 35 runs for the first wicket, the middle order crumbled. Holder’s 21 was the highest individual score, and the side's run‑rate never crossed 5.5 per over.
"When I saw Gulchan’s catch, I thought we were watching a movie," said Nepal’s coach Raju Dhakal in a post‑match interview. "Every player gave their all, and the crowd’s energy pushed us over the line. This is what we’ve been working towards for years."
West Indies captain Shai Hope was more diplomatic. "We came in with a plan, but the conditions and Nepal’s brilliant fielding turned the game on its head," he said, adding that his team would regroup ahead of the final T20I.
Reactions from Teams and Officials
Social media lit up instantly. Cricket Association of Nepal posted a celebratory video on its official Facebook page (@CricketAssociationOfNepalOfficial.CAN), while Twitter (now X) flooded with hashtags #RhinosRoar and #HistoricWin. The sentiment was clear: Nepal had arrived on the big stage.
International cricket analysts echoed the excitement. Former England batsman Ian Bell wrote for "The Cricketer" that "the win signals a shift in the balance of power among associate nations. If Nepal can sustain this momentum, a Test status bid isn’t far off."
IC C officials, however, remained measured. In a brief statement, the ICC acknowledged Nepal’s achievement, noting that “the sport thrives when new teams break into the elite arena, and today’s result is a testament to Nepal’s commitment to growth.”
What This Means for Nepal Cricket
The immediate implication is simple: Nepal leads the series 2‑0 and has a chance to sweep the third match, cementing a clean‑sheet record against a full‑member side. Long‑term, the win could trigger several ripple effects.
First, the financial boost. Victory against a historic team often attracts sponsorships; several local firms have already expressed interest in partnering with the national side. Second, talent retention. Young cricketers who once considered leagues abroad may now see a viable career at home, bolstering domestic competitions.
Finally, the psychological edge. As one Nepalese fan whispered, “We’ll be sleeping in dreamland tonight, picturing a 3‑0 clean sweep.” That belief can translate into higher standards in training camps, more aggressive tactics, and perhaps a future bid for Test status – a goal many in Kathmandu have whispered about since the 1990s.
Looking Ahead: The Final T20I
The series finale is slated for October 2, 2025, at the same venue. Both teams will have a chance to rewrite the narrative: the West Indies to avoid a whitewash, and Nepal to cement a historic 3‑0 triumph. Fans can expect a packed stadium, intense media coverage, and, if history repeats, another chapter in Nepal’s rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Nepal’s chances of gaining Test status?
A series win over a Full Member like the West Indies showcases Nepal’s competitiveness at the highest level. While ICC criteria also consider infrastructure and governance, cricket analysts say this result strengthens Nepal’s case and could accelerate discussions about a future Test bid.
What were the key factors behind West Indies’ collapse?
The pitch at Sharjah offered little assistance to the West Indian batting line‑up, and Nepal’s disciplined seam attack kept the pressure on. Early wickets and two spectacular catches halted any momentum, leaving the team at 81/9 with a chase far beyond reach.
Who were the standout performers for Nepal?
Sompal Kami’s 68‑run knock set the tone, while Sandeep Lamichhane’s economical 3/22 kept the opposition in check. In the field, Gulchan Ja and Karen KC delivered game‑changing catches that later topped the day’s highlights.
What does the win mean for cricket fans in Nepal?
The victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with street parties in Kathmandu and Pokhara. For many fans, it validates years of support and gives a tangible sense that Nepal can compete with the world’s elite, turning cricket from a niche pastime into a national pride.
When and where is the final match of the Unity Cup?
The third and final T20I is scheduled for October 2, 2025, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Both teams will look to finish the series on a high note.
