Nepal Beats West Indies in Sharjah to Take 1-0 Lead in T20I Series

Nepal stunned West Indies in Sharjah on Saturday, winning the opening match of a three‑game Twenty20 international series that marks the first bilateral T20I between Nepal and a Full Member nation. The Rohit Paudel‑led side secured a 10‑run victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to take a 1‑0 lead in the series that began on September 27.

Nepal posted 148 for 8 after a shaky start that saw both openers dismissed inside 3.2 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel steadied the innings with a rescue cameo before Kushal Malla propelled Nepal with a brisk partnership that shifted momentum. Debutant West Indies legspinner Navin Bidaisee finished with 3 for 29 as the Caribbean bowlers struck at intervals, including Jason Holder taking three wickets in the penultimate over, according to the match report.

West Indies began their chase promisingly but repeatedly stumbled. Kyle Mayers was run out following a direct hit from Kushal Bhurtel, and debutant Ackeem Auguste, who hit two sixes, fell in the powerplay. Nepal’s spinners and sharp fielding, including a run out of Keacy Carty involving Dipendra Singh Airee, tightened the screws. Holder was dismissed cheaply, and Karan KC removed West Indies...