The third and final T20I between West Indies and Nepal at Sharjah ended with the Caribbean team salvaging their pride. While the series had already been decided in Nepal’s favour, the Windies ensured they finished on a high with a dominant 10-wicket victory, courtesy of Ramon Simmonds’ spell and Amir Jangoo’s heroics with the bat.
Nepal came into the contest with the confidence of having already clinched a historic series win against a Full Member nation. Meanwhile, the West Indies were desperate to avoid a whitewash. Asked to bat first, Nepal began with Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla showing moments of intent. Bhurtel’s 39 gave the innings some push. After Jason Holder removed Malla and Akeal Hosein dismissed Bhurtel, Nepal’s middle order collapsed under pressure.
The introduction of left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds turned the game towards the Caribbean team’s favour.
Simmonds claimed 4 for 15, including the wicket of skipper Rohit Paudel. With Jediah Blades chipping in with two wickets, Nepal were bundled out for 122 in 19.5 overs. Apart from Bhurtel, none of the batters could cross 20.
In reply, the West Indies openers had a solid day with the bat. Amir Jangoo, who was dropped off the first ball he faced, made Nepal pay heavily as he smashed 74 not out off just 45 balls, lacing his innings with five fours and six sixes. At the other end, Ackeem Auguste remained unbeaten on 41 off 29 deliveries. The duo put on an unbroken 123-run stand as the West Indies recorded their first-ever 10-wicket win in T20Is, completing the chase in just 12.2 overs.
Brief scores:
Nepal 122 in 19.5 overs (Kushal Bhurtel 39; Ramon Simmonds 4/15, Jediah Blades 2/20) lost to West Indies 123/0 in 12.2 overs (Amir Jangoo 74*, Ackeem Auguste 41*) by 10 wickets.
India
