Sharjah: The air in Sharjah crackled with a unique energy. On one side stood the West Indies, the formidable two-time T20 World Cup champions. On the other, the spirited Nepal team, chasing a dream that felt impossibly grand. When Captain Rohit Paudel’s side completed their 19-run victory on that unforgettable Saturday night in September 2025, it was more than just a win—it was a seismic event, marking Nepal’s first-ever T20I victory against an ICC Full Member nation.
This moment wasn’t an isolated incident; it was the latest chapter in a proud and defiant tradition. Across the history of Men’s T20 Internationals, teams with Associate Member status have stood up to the giants, proving that passion and preparation can triumph over pedigree. These are the stories of the pioneers, the upsets that echoed across the cricketing world, and the teams who dared to believe.
The journey of the Associates truly began in the game’s shortest format, often during the grand stage of the ICC T20 World Cup, where the pressure to perform is immense.
Netherlands vs. England, 2009
The very first men’s T20 World Cup upset came in 2009 at the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s. The Netherlands took on their neighbours, England, in the tournament opener. Chasing a modest target, the Dutch needed two runs off the final ball. Chaos ensued, but a dramatic overthrow allowed the Netherlands to scramble home for a famous five-wicket win. This triumph was a moment of pure disbelief and the first signal to the world that the Associates were ready to challenge the status quo.
Ireland vs. Bangladesh, 2009
A few days later, the baton was passed to Ireland. Battling Bangladesh in Nottingham, Ireland’s veteran leadership and fearless strokeplay shone through. Led by the dependable O’Brien brothers, Niall and Kevin, the Irish successfully chased down a competitive total to win by six wickets. Not only was this their first T20I win against a Full Member, but it also secured their passage to the Super Eights, cementing Ireland’s reputation as a giant-killer across formats.
As the format matured, so too did the confidence of emerging nations from the Asian continent, providing two more stunning upsets in the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Hong Kong vs. Bangladesh, 2014
In Chittagong, Hong Kong provided a thrilling upset against the home side, Bangladesh. Chasing a tricky target, Hong Kong kept their nerve in a low-scoring thriller. Munir Dar’s match-winning 36, including a six to seal the game with just one run needed, handed Hong Kong a dramatic two-wicket victory. The win was a huge moment of pride for the side and a major highlight in their short T20 World Cup history.
Netherlands vs. England (Again), 2014
The Dutch proved their Lord’s victory was no fluke. Meeting England again at the 2014 T20 World Cup, the Netherlands delivered an even more comprehensive performance. They bowled out the English for just 88, securing a massive 45-run victory. It was a statement win that reinforced their standing as one of the most dangerous Associate teams in world cricket.
Nepal’s win in 2025 stands on the shoulders of these victories, particularly as Full Member status has since been granted to countries like Ireland and Afghanistan (who famously beat the West Indies in 2016 when they were still an Associate).
Nepal vs. West Indies, 2025
Nepal, a team with a massive, devoted following, had been building towards this moment for years. In Sharjah, Captain Rohit Paudel’s gritty 38 and Kushal Malla’s impactful 30 provided the platform for a respectable total of 148/8. Their true strength, however, lay in their all-round intensity. Exceptional fielding and controlled bowling, led by Kushal Bhurtel’s sharp direct hit for a crucial run-out and his 2/17, stifled the West Indies’ chase. They restricted the Caribbean side to 129/9, sealing a historic 19-run victory and etching their name in the annals of Associate Cricket glory.
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