NEW YORK: In a gripping encounter in Kingstown, Nepal’s dreams of advancing to the Super Eight at the T20 World Cup 2024 were dashed by a mere one-run defeat to South Africa.

This dramatic loss not only broke the hearts of players and fans but also eliminated Nepal from further contention in the tournament.

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South Africa emerged victorious, maintaining an unbeaten record in the group stage with four wins.

Tabraiz Shamsi’s standout performance, with figures of 4 for 19, played a crucial role in their win, particularly with a game-changing 18th over.

For a significant part of the match, Nepal seemed poised for victory.

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Their spinners effectively restricted South Africa to a modest 115 for 7 on a challenging, turning pitch.

With the bat, Nepal needed only 25 runs from 30 balls with seven wickets in hand, making the target appear within easy reach.

However, Shamsi’s double-wicket over in the 18th, which included the crucial dismissal of Aasif Sheikh (42 off 49), shifted the momentum.

The increasing required run rate and tight bowling by Ottneil Baartman in the final over left Nepal needing two runs from the last two balls.

Unfortunately, they failed to connect, and a desperate attempt for a final run fell short, sealing their fate.

South Africa’s cautious start

South Africa began their innings cautiously, likely due to their previous tournament struggles.

Despite scoring their best power play total of 38 for 1, their conservative approach on a pitch that favoured early batting cost them.

Nepal’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, capitalized on this, maintaining tight lines and lengths.

Nepal’s spinners dominate

Sandeep Lamichhane set the tone with his first delivery, which sharply turned past Reeza Hendricks.

While Lamichhane ended wicketless, his economical spell gave away just 18 runs.

Dipendra Singh Airee (3 for 21) and Kushal Bhurtel (4 for 19) exploited the conditions effectively, taking all seven South African wickets.

South Africa’s struggles were evident, with only Tristan Stubbs managing a strike rate over 100, scoring 27 off 18 balls.

Nepal’s steady chase

Nepal’s chase started steadily, benefiting from an early drop by Kagiso Rabada.

They reached 32 without loss by the end of the power play.

However, Shamsi’s introduction proved pivotal, dismissing Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel in his first over.

Despite a partnership between Aasif Sheikh and Anil Sah that included a few big hits, Shamsi’s return in the 18th over swung the game back in South Africa’s favor.

Shamsi’s game-changing over

In the 18th over, Shamsi dismissed Airee and Sheikh, leaving Nepal needing 16 from 12 balls.

Anrich Nortje then bowled four consecutive dots in the penultimate over, taking Kushal Malla’s wicket, and further increasing the pressure.

Baartman’s final over

Sompal Kami’s six brought the target down to eight off the final over.

Gulsan Jha’s boundary made it four off three, but Baartman’s well-executed slower bouncers proved decisive.

Nepal’s attempt for a final run ended in a run-out, leaving them short by inches and ending their World Cup journey.

Despite their valiant effort, Nepal’s narrow defeat highlights the fine margins in cricket and leaves them pondering what could have been.