Nepal vs South Africa, In a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 encounter, South Africa narrowly edged out Nepal by one run, a result that dashed Nepal’s hopes of advancing to the Super Eight. The game, held at Kingstown, was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in heartbreak for Nepal, who fell agonizingly short of victory despite dominating much of the match. Tabraiz Shamsi’s stunning performance with the ball was pivotal in South Africa’s dramatic turnaround.
Nepal’s Commanding Performance with the Ball: Nepal vs South Africa
Nepal’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, were exceptional in restricting South Africa to a modest 115 for 7 on a turning track. Sandeep Lamichhane’s spell set the tone, with the pitch offering significant assistance to the spinners.
Key Bowling Performances
- Kushal Bhurtel: 4 wickets for 19 runs
- Dipendra Singh Airee: 3 wickets for 21 runs
- Sandeep Lamichhane: Economical spell, conceding only 18 runs
Nepal’s spinners exploited the conditions perfectly, making it difficult for South Africa’s batsmen to score freely. Bhurtel and Airee were particularly effective, picking up crucial wickets and ensuring that South Africa never got into a rhythm.
South Africa’s Cautious Start
South Africa’s batting approach was cautious, perhaps influenced by their previous performances in the tournament. Their powerplay score of 38 for 1 was the best they managed in this tournament, but it came at the cost of not capitalizing on the early overs when the pitch was relatively easier to bat on.
Batting Highlights
- Reeza Hendricks: 43 runs
- Tristan Stubbs: 27 runs off 18 balls
Despite steady partnerships, South Africa struggled to accelerate, with only Stubbs managing a strike rate over 100. Nepal’s spinners tightened the screws, making run-scoring difficult.
Shamsi’s Game-Changing Spell
Nepal’s chase began confidently, and they seemed on course to win with just 25 runs needed off the final 30 balls and seven wickets in hand. However, Tabraiz Shamsi turned the game around with a brilliant 18th over, taking two vital wickets, including that of the set batsman Aasif Sheikh.
Shamsi’s Key Moments
- 18th Over Double Strike: Dismissed Airee and Sheikh
- Figures: 4 wickets for 19 runs
Shamsi’s spell was crucial in swinging the momentum back in South Africa’s favor, raising the required run rate and putting pressure on Nepal’s lower order.
Nail-Biting Finish
Despite Shamsi’s heroics, Nepal fought back valiantly. Sompal Kami and 18-year-old Gulsan Jha brought Nepal tantalizingly close to victory, needing just two runs off the final two balls. However, Ottneil Baartman held his nerve, delivering two crucial dot balls to seal the win for South Africa.
Key Moments in the Final Overs
- Sompal Kami: 105-meter six
- Gulsan Jha: Boundary over cover
Baartman’s execution of slower bouncers in the last two deliveries and Heinrich Klaasen’s sharp fielding to run out Jha off the final ball epitomized South Africa’s resilience under pressure.
Conclusion: A Heartbreak for Nepal
Nepal’s defeat by one run was a crushing blow, not only because it was so close but also because it ended their Super Eight ambitions. The match showcased the grit and determination of both teams, with South Africa emerging victorious thanks to Shamsi’s brilliance and Baartman’s composure in the final over.
This match will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns, epitomizing the excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket.