Despite spirited bowling displays from Jason Holder and Navin Bidaisse, the West Indies suffered an embarrassing 19-run defeat to Nepal in the opening match of their three-match T20 International series in Sharjah on Saturday.

The result was a landmark moment for Nepal, marking their first-ever victory over a Full Member nation across formats. Their previous notable success came in 2014 when they defeated Afghanistan in a T20I, but Afghanistan were an Associate member at the time.

Chasing 149 for victory, the Caribbean side stumbled early, finding themselves in deep trouble at 53 for 4 after just eight overs. Bidaisse returned to offer some resistance with a fighting 22, while Kacy Carthy chipped in with 16 from 15 deliveries.

Wicketkeeper Amr Jango also tried to steady the chase with 19, but the effort fell short against disciplined Nepalese bowling that held a second string Wes Indies XI, that featured four debutantes, to 129 for 9.

Kushal Bertel was the pick of the bowlers for Nepal, finishing with 2 for 17.

Earlier, Nepal, inserted to bat first, posted 148 for 8 from their 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 38, supported by Kushal Malla who added 30.

Holder led the West Indies attack with an impressive 4 for 20, while Bidaisse claimed 3 for 29 to keep the hosts within range.

The two teams will return to action on Monday in Sharjah for the second and penultimate game in the series.