South Africa narrowly defeated Nepal by one run.
Nepal’s spinners restricted South Africa to 115 for 7.
Shamsi’s crucial 18th over changed the game’s momentum.
Baartman’s final over sealed South Africa’s dramatic victory.
In a match filled with tension and drama, South Africa narrowly defeated Nepal by one run in a gripping contest at Kingstown. The close result eliminated Nepal from Super Eight contention at the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite a valiant effort, Nepal’s campaign ended in heartbreak, while South Africa remained unbeaten in the group stage.
Nepal’s Dominant Bowling Performance
Nepal’s bowlers showcased exceptional skill, restricting South Africa to 115 for 7 on a challenging, spinning pitch. Sandeep Lamichhane’s first delivery set the tone, sharply turning past Reeza Hendricks’ defense. Although Lamichhane remained wicketless, his economical spell built pressure. Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel were the standout performers, taking 3 for 21 and 4 for 19 respectively. Their disciplined bowling ensured South Africa never found momentum.
South Africa’s Cautious Start
South Africa’s cautious approach in the powerplay resulted in a slow start. They managed 38 for 1, their best powerplay score of the tournament, but failed to capitalize on favorable batting conditions. Nepal’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, maintained tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for South Africa to accelerate. Only Tristan Stubbs, with a brisk 27 off 18 balls, managed to score at a strike rate over 100.
Shamsi’s Game-Changing Spell
Tabraiz Shamsi, brought in for Keshav Maharaj, turned the game in South Africa’s favor with a crucial 18th over. Shamsi’s double-wicket over, including the crucial dismissal of Aasif Sheikh (42 off 49), shifted the momentum. His final figures of 4 for 19 highlighted his impact. Shamsi’s timely intervention ensured South Africa had a defendable total.
Nepal’s Steady Chase
Nepal’s chase began with a lifeline when Kagiso Rabada dropped a catch. They adopted a cautious approach, reaching 32 without loss in the powerplay. Anil Sah and Aasif Sheikh formed a crucial partnership, with Sah’s boundaries off Anrich Nortje and a six off Shamsi boosting their run rate. The pair added 50 runs off just 36 deliveries, giving Nepal hope of a historic win.
The Turning Point: Shamsi’s 18th-Over Heist
Shamsi’s reintroduction in the 18th over proved decisive. Airee’s faint edge to Quinton de Kock and Aasif’s clean bowled dismissal disrupted Nepal’s chase. Shamsi’s over reduced Nepal to needing 16 runs off the final two overs, significantly increasing the pressure on the chasing side.
Baartman’s Nerve-Wracking Final Over
Anrich Nortje’s penultimate over, featuring four consecutive dots and the dismissal of Kushal Malla, left Nepal needing 16 off 8 balls. Sompal Kami’s massive six and Gulsan Jha’s boundary brought the equation to four off three balls. However, Ottneil Baartman held his nerve, delivering two perfect slower bouncers to deny Nepal.
The Final Moments
The last two deliveries of the match were filled with drama. Nepal managed a hard-run two, but Baartman’s expertly executed slower bouncers proved too difficult to score off. A desperate run attempt off the final ball, resulting from a deflection, saw Jha fall short of the crease. Heinrich Klaasen’s sharp fielding ended Nepal’s hopes, securing a one-run victory for South Africa.
Key Performances During The Match
Tabraiz Shamsi’s pivotal 4 for 19, including a game-changing 18th over, turned the match.
Kushal Bhurtel excelled with 4 for 19, effectively exploiting the spinning conditions against South Africa.
Aasif Sheikh anchored Nepal’s chase with 42 runs off 49 balls, maintaining hope until Shamsi’s strike.
Tristan Stubbs contributed a crucial 27 off 18 balls, the only South African to score over 100 strike rate.
