Two-time champions West Indies cricket team became the first team from Group C to secure a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup after a dominant nine-wicket win over Nepal national cricket team on Sunday.
The victory not only confirmed West Indies’ progression but also ended Nepal’s campaign in the tournament.
Nepal Post 133 After Early Collapse
At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Nepal were put in to bat after losing the toss and struggled early against disciplined Caribbean bowling. Reduced to 22 for 3 inside the powerplay, Nepal never fully recovered from the early blows. They slipped further to 23 for 4 and 46 for 5, as the West Indies bowlers kept tight control.
A fighting knock from Dipendra Singh Airee revived the innings. Airee scored a responsible 58 off 47 balls, striking three fours and three sixes. He shared a crucial 54-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Sompal Kami, who remained unbeaten on 26 from 15 deliveries, hitting four boundaries.
Nepal eventually posted 133 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs — a total that always looked below par on a good batting surface.
Hope and Hetmyer Seal Comfortable Chase
Chasing 134, West Indies made light work of the target, reaching 134 for 1 in just 15.2 overs.
Captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 44 balls, bringing up his half-century in 38 deliveries. His composed knock featured five fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Shimron Hetmyer, who smashed an unbeaten 46 off 32 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
The pair stitched together an unbroken 91-run partnership to ensure a smooth finish and underline West Indies’ dominance.
Holder Stars With the Ball
Jason Holder was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 27 in his four overs. His impactful spell dismantled Nepal’s top order and earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this emphatic win, West Indies march confidently into the Super Eight, while Nepal bow out of the tournament after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
