Nepal sent a jolt through the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, convincingly thumping Ireland Wolves by six wickets in the first T20I of the two-match series. This dominant performance puts Nepal firmly in the driver’s seat, with a 1-0 lead heading into the crucial second match on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest 122-run target, Nepal’s batting lineup, led by the stellar performance of opener Kushal Bhurtel, displayed a clinical performance. Bhurtel anchored the chase with an unbeaten 37 off 32 balls, his knock laced with four boundaries. Sandeep Jora also provided valuable support with a fluent 36, while late cameos from Dipendrasingh Airee (20*) and Asif Sheikh (16*) ensured Nepal crossed the finish line in just 16.1 overs, losing only four wickets. The crucial partnership between Bhurtel and Jora, worth 54 runs, effectively killed the contest.

Earlier, Ireland Wolves, electing to bat first, could only manage a below-par 121 all out in their 20 overs. Despite a valiant 46 from Stefan Dohiny, who struck four boundaries and two sixes, the Irish batting order crumbled against a disciplined Nepali bowling attack. The turning point came when openers Thomas Myes (16) and Liam McCarthy (16) failed to provide a solid foundation, while Fionn Hand’s 11 only added to Ireland’s woes.

Nepal’s bowling attack effectively shared the spoils. Spinners Kushal Bhurtel, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, and Gulshan Jha each took two wickets, while Karan KC and Kushal Malla each took one wicket.