Prajwal Thapa, Kathmandu, Sept 27 : Nepal’s national cricket team is set to make history today as they face two-time World Cup champions West Indies in a three-match T20 International series in Sharjah, UAE. The first match kicks off at 8:45 PM Nepali time at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
This marks the first-ever bilateral T20I series between Nepal and West Indies, and also Nepal’s first multi-match series against an ICC full-member nation. The series is part of Nepal’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier scheduled next month in Oman.
Nepal has never beaten a full-member side in international cricket. Today, the Rhinos will have the chance to end that drought. A series win would not only be historic but also a huge step toward Nepal’s long-term goal of achieving Test status, which requires victories over established full-member teams.
Nepal’s Record vs. Full Members
So far, Nepal has played 12 matches against Test nations, five in ODIs and seven in T20Is, without a win. They have come agonizingly close on multiple occasions, including last year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, where Nepal narrowly lost to South Africa by just one run.
ODI results:
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Lost to Zimbabwe by 8 wickets (2023 WC Qualifier)
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Lost to West Indies by 101 runs (2023 WC Qualifier)
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Lost to Ireland by 2 wickets (2023 WC Qualifier)
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Lost to Pakistan by 238 runs (2023 Asia Cup)
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Lost to India by 10 wickets (2023 Asia Cup)
T20I results:
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Lost to Bangladesh by 8 wickets (2014 T20 WC)
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Lost twice to Zimbabwe (2019 Singapore Tri-series)
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Lost to Ireland by 14 runs (2019 Oman Pentangular Series)
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Lost to Ireland by 16 runs (2022 Oman Quadrangular Series)
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Lost to South Africa by 1 run (2024 T20 WC)
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Lost to Bangladesh by 21 runs (2024 T20 WC)
West Indies in Poor Form – Nepal’s Big Opportunity
West Indies arrive in Sharjah on the back of a disappointing run of results. They have won just two of their last 14 matches, losing 10. In June, they were whitewashed 3–0 by England, but bounced back to claim a 1–0 series win at home against Ireland, where two matches were abandoned due to rain.
In July, West Indies lost all five matches at home against Australia, before suffering a 1–2 series defeat to Pakistan in August. This dip in form gives Nepal a golden chance to cause an upset, though West Indies will be equally determined to use this series as a platform to bounce back.
Nepal’s Mixed Results in 2025
Nepal has played eight T20Is this year, winning four, losing three, with one match abandoned due to rain. In April, Nepal lost the Hong Kong T20I final against Kuwait by just three runs. In June, during a tri-series in Scotland, they beat both Scotland and the Netherlands once each but lost the return fixtures.
In August, Nepal toured Australia for the Top End T20 Series, where they recorded two wins and four losses. The team also played several matches against local clubs during that trip, gaining valuable experience.
Excited Nepali Squad
Despite visa delays caused by political unrest earlier this month, Nepal arrived in the UAE five days before the series, giving the squad enough time to adjust to local conditions.
Captain Rohit Paudel said the team is motivated:
“Everyone is excited to play against West Indies. Over the past few years, games against Test nations have taught us a lot. We’ve often fallen short in the final moments, but this time our goal is clear, we want to win the series.”
The return of Kushal Malla and Aadil Alam strengthens Nepal’s batting, while spinners Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi are expected to lead the bowling attack.
Nepal’s probable XI:
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Aadil Alam, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi.
Full Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee (vc), Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami, Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Kushal Malla, Aasif Sheikh, Aadil Alam, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sundeep Jora, Arif Sheikh, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Shahab Alam.
West Indies’ Young Squad Under New Captain
West Indies have sent a relatively young 15-man squad for this tour, resting regular skipper Shai Hope. Spinner Akeal Hosein will lead the side. The team features five uncapped players, along with experienced campaigners like Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Fabian Allen.
West Indies squad: Akeal Hosein (c), Fabian Allen, Jevaun Andrew, Akeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisee, Jedidiah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karimah Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jango, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Jishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.
Nepal has never had a better chance to defeat a full-member nation. If the Rhinos can capitalize on West Indies’ poor run of form, tonight could mark the beginning of a golden chapter in Nepali cricket.