The West Indies cricket team has suffered a historic T20 series defeat to Nepal in the United Arab Emirates, collapsing to just 83 all out in a record-breaking loss.
The 90-run victory gives 18th-ranked Nepal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, their first-ever T20 series win against a full member nation. The West Indies’ total of 83 is the lowest score by a full member side against an associate nation, while the margin of defeat is also the largest in such a contest.
This result compounds a period of significant decline for the West Indies. In July, their Test team was dismissed for 27 by Australia, the second-lowest score in Test history. Following that 3-0 series defeat, Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow called an emergency meeting with legends Sir Viv Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Brian Lara to address the team’s performance. The side also failed to qualify for the 2023 50-over World Cup and is currently outside the qualification spots for the 2027 tournament.
In the match at Sharjah, Nepal posted a competitive 173-6, propelled by a 100-run partnership between Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora, who hit five sixes. In response, the sixth-ranked West Indies struggled from the outset, with only three batters reaching double figures. They slumped from 63-4 in the 12th over to be all out for 83.
The series concludes with the third T20 on Tuesday. Nepal, coached by Australian Stuart Law, will participate in qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup next month.
In a further blow to West Indies cricket, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of next month’s two-Test series against India due to a recurring back injury.
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