South Africa successfully defended their total of 115/7 against Nepal, clinching victory by a mere one run in thrilling Match 31 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Arnos Vile Ground in Kingstown on Saturday (June 15).
Reeza Hendricks’ crucial innings: Setting the stage
Opting to bat first, South Africa faced early setbacks with the dismissals of Quinton de Kock (10) and Aiden Markram (15) but steadied their innings with Reeza Hendricks leading the charge with a resilient 43 off 49 balls. However, Dipendra Singh Airee‘s disciplined bowling fetched him 3 crucial wickets, while Kushal Bhurtel‘s economical spell of 4 wickets for 19 runs kept South Africa in check. Tristan Stubbs‘ unbeaten 27 off 18 deliveries bolstered their total, setting Nepal a challenging target.
Aasif Sheikh and Anil Sah lead Nepal’s response
Chasing 116 runs for victory, Nepal started steadily with Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh building a promising partnership. Bhurtel’s 13 and Sheikh’s resilient 42 off 49 balls provided Nepal a solid foundation, but Tabraiz Shamsi‘s exceptional bowling performance turned the tide in South Africa’s favor. Shamsi’s 4 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs, ably supported by Anrich Nortje and Aiden Markram, ensured Nepal’s chase faltered despite contributions from Anil Sah (27 off 24) and Sheikh.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: After washed out game against Ireland, the USA qualifies for Super 8; Pakistan out of contention
South Africa survives close scar
Nepal, needing 8 runs off the final over, fell agonizingly short, finishing at 114/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The match showcased exceptional bowling performances from both teams, with Dipendra Singh impressing for Nepal and Shamsi proving pivotal for South Africa. Shamsi was eventually named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance. Ultimately, South Africa’s ability to maintain their nerve in a tense finish secured them a hard-earned victory, highlighting the competitiveness and drama of T20 cricket at its best.
Here’s how X (Twitter) reacted:
Hold your heads high Nepal. That was South Africa you almost took down today. You have some of the most passionate fans and you let them believe. Hopefully bigger days are round the corner.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 15, 2024
Cha 😳 https://t.co/HtpP10W3QZ
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 15, 2024
That is such lazy running. Costing Nepal a chance at their most famous victory ever #SAvNEP
— Darren Murphy 🏏 (@MrDMurphy) June 15, 2024
Even as a Proteas fan, why Nepal, why????? Did a South Africa off the final ball there 😭#SAvNEP
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) June 15, 2024
💔👏🏻 Heartbroken for Nepal, but their fight was incredible! #T20WorldCup #SAvNEP #SAvsNEP #BharatArmy
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) June 15, 2024
🟡🟢 RESULT | #SAvNEP
It doesn’t get any closer than that.
4 wins in 4 matches. ✅#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/roSxx5AryA
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 15, 2024
South Africa seals a win from jaws of defeat: https://t.co/RItwMhtdO1#cricket #SAvNEP #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/LT3p82D9yM
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 15, 2024
Gutsy from Nepal, the Proteas win another close one. The batting needs a monumental improvement if they are going to progress further than the Super 8 #T20WorldCup
— Halsey Nim (@nimalen316) June 15, 2024
What a game of cricket. South Africa have pulled off a blinder which a game Nepal should have won. #SAvNPL
— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣 Ⓥ🌱 (@RNaidoo) June 15, 2024
Good Morning South Africa.
Yes, South Africa have gone 4/4 at the #T20WorldCup. Yes, they needed a run-out off the last ball to avoid a Super Over against Nepal. Yes, they very nearly lost to Nepal. Of all the things… #cricket— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) June 15, 2024
Absolutely amazing finish! We’ve completely fluked that! @Heini22 you fucking beauty! The ebbs & flows over those last 10-15 min were incredible! Heart goes out to Nepal ❤️
— Andrew Stringer (@AndrewJStringer) June 15, 2024
Heart Broken for Nepal, WHAT A game they have played, FEELING for fans!! WHAT A CROWED they have for their SUPPORT! #SAvNEP #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/4ZOlxNbCwO
— Aqdas Rehman (@AqdasRehman) June 15, 2024
Pakistan couldn’t defend 14 off the final over against USA. South Africa just defended 17 off 3 overs even though Nepal started the sequence with 7 wickets in hand. Incredible.
— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) June 15, 2024
Gulshan Jha took it a bit easy after being smacked on the back. He didn’t realise that the ball went straight to Heinrich Klaasen and took his time to complete the run; those few seconds wasted costed his team the match#cricket #SAvNEP #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/3NoYZIeyVt
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 15, 2024
