While they had beaten Afghanistan back in 2014, that came when Afghanistan were still an Associate.
This game was not only their maiden T20I against West Indies but also their first bilateral series against a full Member made unforgettable by a commanding all-round performance.
Opting to field, Akeal Hosein’s inexperienced West Indies side, with four debutants, had Nepal in early trouble at 15/2.
But captain Rohit Paudel (27) and the aggressive Kushal Malla (31) rebuilt with a 58-run stand, as Nepal reached 148/8.
Debutant Navin Bidaisee impressed with 3/29 while Jason Holder’s late burst (3 wickets in the 19th over) prevented an even bigger total.
In reply, West Indies never found rhythm against Nepal’s disciplined attack. Six different bowlers chipped in with wickets, with Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami striking crucial blows.
Despite Holder’s fighting 28, West Indies were restricted to 129/9, handing Nepal a famous 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
