SA vs NEP: Nepal Suffer T20 World Cup 2024 Heartbreak With One-Run Defeat to South Africa

New Delhi: Nepal’s race for a spot in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 went up in smoke after the Asian side lost to South Africa by just one run in a Group D encounter on Saturday. Chasing South Africa’s 115/7, Nepal failed to chase the target despite giving the Proteas a run for their money till the last ball. Needing two runs from the final delivery, Gulshal Jha was run out by Heinrich Klaasen, leaving the whole Nepal community in the stadium in agony.

Had Nepal won the game, it would have been their first win over an ICC full member and the biggest win of their history. A win would also have put Nepal’s Super 8 qualification hopes alive. With the win South Africa go into the Super 8 stage with an all-win record in the group stages, but they’ll be concerned about their fragile batting lineup.

The South African batters have struggled in all the four matches. It must be said that the conditions in both New York and Kingstown were not batting friendly. Opting to bowl first, Nepal executed their plans perfectly against the Proteas as they outplayed them with their exceptional bowling performance.

Kushal Bhurtel (4/19) and Dipendra Singh Airee (3/21) shined with the ball as they together clinched seven wickets. Other Nepal bowlers also bowled brilliant economical spells and restricted South Africa to just 115/7 after 20 overs. Opener Reeza Hendricks, with 43 runs off 49 deliveries, was the highest scorer for South Africa. Tristan Stubbs’ 18-ball 27 not out provided the much needed finishing touch to the South African innings.

In reply, the South African bowlers were brilliant in defending the total but Nepal batters were brave enough to challenge everyone. Tabraiz Shamsi clinched, with figures of 4/16, was awarded the Player of the Match award for his match winning spell while Aiden Markram and pacer Anrich Nortje took one wicket each. Nepal opener Aasif Sheikh 42 runs off 49 deliveries and scored the most for his side.

With South Africa’s qualification to Super 8, they have games lined up against USA, West Indies and probably against England.