South Africa vs Nepal – T20 Cricket World Cup 2024
Table of Contents
Heartbreak for Nepal
Nepal’s cricket team and their supporters were left disappointed and shell-shocked after a match that seemed within their grasp slipped away in the final moments. Nepal, on the verge of a historic win, saw their hopes dashed by a series of crucial moments that turned the game in South Africa’s favor. Gulsan Jha’s dismissal was a turning point; after being hit on the back, he didn’t realize the ball went straight to Klaasen and took his time to complete the single. This delay cost Nepal dearly, as they lost a match that was theirs to win.
Promising Start to the Chase
Nepal began their chase on a positive note, with the openers adding 36 runs for the first wicket. However, Shamsi’s double strike in the 8th over marked the beginning of a challenging phase. Despite this, Sheikh and Sah batted freely, putting up a 50-run partnership off 36 balls for the third wicket. With the equation reading 31 runs needed off 38 balls, Nepal seemed to have the upper hand.
Turning Points
The game took another dramatic turn when Shamsi returned to the attack in the 18th over, taking two crucial wickets. With 16 runs needed off 12 balls, Nortje added to Nepal’s woes by dismissing Kushal Malla. However, Sompal Kami’s massive 105-meter six shifted the momentum back in Nepal’s favor, leaving them needing just 8 runs off the final 6 balls.
Final Moments
The tension peaked as Gulsan Jha failed to connect the first two balls but made up for it by hitting a six off the next two. With 2 runs needed off the last ball, a dot ball sealed Nepal’s fate. South Africa managed to defend a low total successfully, marking a memorable victory while Nepal faced elimination with pride intact.
Historic Defenses by South Africa in T20Is
South Africa has successfully defended some of the lowest targets in T20 International history:
- 114 vs Bangladesh, New York, 2024
- 116 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo RPS, 2013
- 116 vs Nepal, Kingstown, 2024
- 121 vs West Indies, North Sound, 2010
- 129 vs New Zealand, Lord’s, 2009