India's captain Virat Kohli and Roston Chase of the West Indies congratulate one another at the end of their match on day five of their Second Test cricket match on August 3, 2016 at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica which ended in a draw. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
Nepal impressively outperformed the star-studded West Indies A team, proving their mettle as formidable contenders for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Led by Rohit Paudel, the Nepalese squad showcased their prowess in a preparatory match, securing a victory over a West Indies A side boasting 10 seasoned international players.
In the match, West Indies A set a challenging target of 204 runs within 20 overs, with captain Roston Chase leading the charge with 74 runs off 46 balls, complemented by notable contributions from opener Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty. However, Nepal successfully chased down the target with two deliveries to spare, propelled by a remarkable innings from skipper Paudel, who scored a century with 112 runs off 54 balls, supported by Dipendra Singh Airee’s brisk 24 runs off 18 balls.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Nepal cricket, underscoring their steady rise in the sport despite being labeled as underdogs. The absence of their key bowler, Sandeep Lamichhane, further amplifies the magnitude of their achievement. Despite facing a formidable lineup featuring experienced players like Chase, Athanaze, and Johnson Charles, Nepal’s determined performance highlights their growing presence on the global cricket stage.
