KATHMANDU, Nepal — In a landmark achievement for Nepali cricket, the national team secured their first-ever victory against a Test-playing nation by defeating the West Indies by 19 runs in the first T20 international of a three-match series in Sharjah on Saturday. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Nepal, a rising force in the cricketing world, as they overcame the two-time T20 World Cup champions. The win has been hailed as historic by Chatur Bahadur Chand, President of the Cricket Association of Nepal, who emphasized its importance in elevating the players’ standing globally. The Nepali middle-order set a competitive target of 148-8, followed by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted the West Indies. Fans, clad in replica team jerseys, celebrated enthusiastically, waving the national flag both in the stadium and at home. Pujan Thapa, a 27-year-old spectator from Kathmandu, shared his unexpected joy, saying, ‘We stood up and danced.’ The victory comes as Nepal recovers from recent anti-corruption protests that resulted in significant casualties and political upheaval. Team captain Rohit Paudel dedicated the win to the ‘martyrs’ of the protests, hoping it would bring some happiness to the nation. Cricket, though not as dominant in mountainous Nepal as in other South Asian countries, has been gaining popularity since Nepal was granted one-day international status by the ICC in 2018. Former chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary attributed the win to the team’s hard work, predicting it would inspire future generations of cricketers. Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulatory messages for the players, reflecting the nation’s pride and joy.