T20 World Cup, Group D, Kingstown, St Vincent
South Africa 115-7 (20 overs): Hendricks 43 (49); Bhurtel 4-19
Nepal 114-7 (20 overs): Aasif 42 (49); Shamsi 4-19
South Africa needed a dramatic late turnaround to beat Nepal by one run in a nail-biting T20 World Cup encounter.
In a dramatic climax, Nepal’s Gulsan Jha was run out attempting a single to the wicketkeeper, falling just short of the target. Jha missed a short ball from Ottniel Baartman and started running, but the throw from Quinton de Kock deflected off his back to Heinrich Klaasen, who threw down the stumps.
Nepal, after restricting South Africa to 115-7 in Kingstown, appeared poised for a victory that would have kept their Super 8s hopes alive. However, Tabraiz Shamsi’s crucial 18th over (4-19) and Baartman’s defense of seven runs in the final over ensured South Africa maintained their perfect record, eliminating a heartbroken Nepal.
Meanwhile, New Zealand secured their first win of the tournament with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Uganda in Trinidad. Tim Southee took 3-4 as the Black Caps bowled Uganda out for 40 and chased the target in just 5.2 overs.
In the match against Nepal, South Africa’s spinners excelled on a slow, turning track in St. Vincent. Wrist-spinner Kushal Bhurtel (4-19) and Dipendra Singh Airee (3-21) kept the Proteas’ powerful batting lineup in check. Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 43, while a late cameo from Tristan Stubbs (27* off 18 balls) provided a vital boost.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised Nepal, saying, “You have to give Nepal a lot of credit. Throughout the game, they put us under a lot of pressure and it shows the quality they have.”
Nepal’s chase started well, surviving the powerplay unscathed. Despite losing two wickets to Shamsi in the eighth over, they pressed on calmly. A 50-run partnership between Aasif Sheikh and Anil Sah kept them on track until Markram broke the stand in the 14th over. With 30 runs needed, Nepal remained in control.
However, Shamsi struck again, removing Singh Airee and bowling Aasif for 42, leaving Nepal at 100-5. Despite narrowing the target to eight runs from the last over and then two from two balls, Baartman secured a narrow victory for South Africa.
Shamsi expressed relief, stating, “The team is standing up to the pressure and that’s great to see.” Nepal captain Rohit Paudel added, “I’m very proud of the unit, the way we bowled and batted. We were very close but a little far.”
