By Chalien Dantes

The West Indies cricket team hit a new low, being bowled out for a mere 83 runs and losing their T20 series to underdogs Nepal in the UAE.

This was Nepal’s first-ever T20 series against a full member nation, and they clinched the series with a game to spare, stunning everyone.

West Indies’ total of 83 is now the lowest score ever recorded by a full member nation against an associate team. Nepal’s 90-run victory margin is also the biggest an associate nation has achieved against a full member. It’s a harsh reminder of the struggles West Indies cricket has faced lately.

Just a few months ago, the Test team was humiliated by Australia, bowled out for 27, the second lowest score in Test cricket history and their worst since 1955. After that disaster, Cricket West Indies called an emergency meeting, bringing in legends like Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, and Brian Lara to help steer the ship back on course.

Things haven’t gotten easier. West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 50-over World Cup and are currently outside the qualifying spots for 2027. Meanwhile, Nepal, ranked 18th globally, showed growth. They posted a competitive 173-6 in 20 overs, powered by a 100-run partnership between Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora, who smashed five sixes in Sharjah.

West Indies, ranked sixth in T20, never found a rhythm chasing the target. Only three batters reached double digits, and by the 12th over, they were already 63-4. From there, it was a major collapse, ending all out for 83.

Nepal, coached by Australian Stuart Law, will next compete in the qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup, having already played in the 2014 and 2024 editions. The series wraps up with the third T20 on Tuesday. On the injury front, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is out of next month’s two Test series against India due to a recurring back issue, adding to the team’s woes.