Top 5 Smallest Victories by Nepal in T20I History

Nepal's cricket journey in T20 Internationals has seen both dominant wins and hard-fought battles. While big wins get the spotlight, the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history reveal something more - grit, pressure handling, and winning spirit. These matches show how the Nepal cricket team can hold their nerve in close finishes.

List of 5 Smallest Victories by Nepal in T20I History

5. Won by 15 Runs vs Papua New Guinea

 One of the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history came against Papua New Guinea on March 28, 2022. Played in Kirtipur, Nepal batted first and posted a strong score of 184 runs in 19.2 overs. It wasn't a one-sided game. PNG made a good effort while chasing, but Nepal's disciplined bowling made the difference.

The match was tense throughout. PNG batters showed promise, especially in the middle overs. But the pressure of chasing a high score caused them to lose wickets at regular intervals. Nepal's bowlers, especially in the final overs, stayed calm and executed their plans. This 15-run win underlines Nepal's growing ability to defend scores under pressure - a key feature in the list of smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history.

Match Details:

Opponent: Papua New Guinea

Venue: Kirtipur

Date: 28 March 2022

Nepal's Total: 184 runs

Win Margin: 15 runs

4. Won by 14 Runs vs UAE

 At number four in the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history, we have the 14-run win against UAE in Dubai on February 3, 2019. This game was different. Nepal only managed 105 runs in 10 overs due to rain, setting up a rare short-format defense.

What followed was one of Nepal's best-ever bowling performances in T20Is. The UAE batters couldn't get going, as Nepal took wickets consistently and applied pressure from the start. Despite the small total, Nepal proved that with tight bowling and energy in the field, any total can be defended. This low-scoring defense is an iconic example among the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history.

Match Details:

Opponent: UAE

Venue: ICCA Dubai

Date: 3 February 2019

Nepal's Total: 105 runs (10 overs)

Win Margin: 14 runs

3. Won by 9 Runs vs Afghanistan

 Nepal's 9-run win over Afghanistan during the 2014 T20 World Cup stands out in the list of smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history. Afghanistan was considered the stronger team, with their aggressive batting lineup. Nepal scored 142 in 20 overs - a moderate total, but one that needed clever defending.

Nepal's bowling and fielding were both outstanding. Wickets came at just the right times. Pressure increased on Afghanistan as the required run rate rose. The last few overs were intense, but Nepal held firm to win by 9 runs. This result not only gave Nepal respect on the world stage but also added a memorable chapter to the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history.

Match Details:

Opponent: Afghanistan

Venue: Chattogram

Date: 20 March 2014

Nepal's Total: 142 runs

Win Margin: 9 runs

2. Won by 6 Runs vs Malaysia

 The second closest in the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history came on July 14, 2019, when Nepal beat Malaysia by 6 runs. Played at Kuala Lumpur, Nepal put up 174 runs in their full 20 overs - a solid target in T20 cricket. But Malaysia, playing at home, made Nepal work hard for the win.

The chase was going Malaysia's way in the middle overs, but Nepal's death bowling was superb. Dot balls, yorkers, and smart variations created pressure. With a mix of calmness and aggression, Nepal edged out a tight win. This 6-run victory showcases Nepal's ability to perform in clutch moments - clearly making it one of the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history.

Match Details:

Opponent: Malaysia

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

Date: 14 July 2019

Nepal's Total: 174 runs

Win Margin: 6 runs

1. Won by 3 Runs vs Namibia

 The most nail-biting finish among the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history came on March 1, 2024, when Nepal beat Namibia by just 3 runs in Kirtipur. This remains Nepal's closest win by runs in T20 Internationals. Nepal batted first and scored 181 runs in their 20 overs, setting a strong but chaseable total.

Namibia fought bravely and stayed in the game till the very last over. But Nepal's bowlers managed the final six deliveries with precision and calmness. A few dot balls, smart field settings, and controlled nerves helped Nepal secure the narrowest of wins. This match stands as a benchmark for team character and mental strength, and it is rightly placed at the top of the smallest victories by Nepal in T20I history.

Match Details:

Opponent: Namibia

Venue: Kirtipur

Date: 1 March 2024

Nepal's Total: 181 runs

Win Margin: 3 runs