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South Africa narrowly escaped defeat by beating Nepal by one run in a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 Group D match on Saturday (June 15) at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent. The Proteas secured a dramatic victory after a roller-coaster ride, finishing on top of the table with their fourth win in the group stage. Chasing 116, Nepal remained competitive throughout, forming good partnerships and keeping the pressure on South Africa. However, Tabraiz Shamsi‘s decisive spell turned the game in the Proteas’ favour, as they restricted Nepal to 114/7, sealing the win on the final ball.
Tabraiz Shamsi’s spell shakes Nepal’s chase
Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh opened for Nepal with a solid 35-run partnership, giving the underdogs a comfortable start. The first wicket fell in the 8th over when Shamsi removed Bhurtel, who attempted a reverse sweep but was bowled by a turning delivery that hit the stumps. On the fourth ball of the same over, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel became Shamsi’s next victim. Paudel, aiming for a drive, was outfoxed by a sharply turning ball that crashed into off stump, leaving him out for a duck.
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Shamsi keeps South Africa in the game
After the initial dismissals, wickets began to fall regularly, but Sheikh stood firm, adding crucial runs. Shamsi struck again in the 18th over, ending Aasif’s resilient knock by a full delivery around off spun in sharply, beating the bat and clipping the off bail. Earlier in the over, Shamsi had also dismissed Dipendra Singh Airee. Airee attempted a sweep but missed, with Quinton de Kock successfully appealing for a caught behind after a review showed a spike on the glove.
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Otniel Baartman’s nerves of steel in the final over
In the nail-biting final over, Nepal needed eight runs with Sompal Kami and Gulshan Jha at the crease. South Africa’s Otniel Baartman was tasked with defending the slim margin. Gulshan hit a beautiful four over cover on the third ball, bringing Nepal closer. With two runs needed from the last two balls, Baartman held his nerve and delivered two consecutive dot balls, securing South Africa’s victory by the narrowest of margins.
