Nepal needed 8 runs off the last six balls to cause one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history. They were eyeing a first-ever T20I win against South Africa while a huge number of Nepali fans in the stands of the Arnos Vale ground had their fingers crossed. The equation came down to 2 needed off the last 2 balls after Gulsan Jha smashed Ottneil Baartman for a boundary through covers. The victory for Nepal looked easy but the youngest team in the tournament couldn’t churn out the remaining runs off the last couple of deliveries, only to be left heartbroken.
Heinrich Klaasen’s superb flicked throw at the stumps to run out Gulsan Jha on the final delivery sealed victory for the Proteas and dashed Nepal’s hopes of a famous upset. While the Proteas ended the Group Stage unbeaten, Nepal were eliminated with one more game to go.
#HeinrichKlaasen‘s act on the last ball meant Nepal’s heroic performance went in vain! Watch South Africa in action next in #USAvSA in #Super8 | WED, JUN 19, 6 PM | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/zZco3Dn1sZ
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 15, 2024
Not only the Nepali players but the fans in the stands were teary-eyed. Rohit Paudel and his boys put up a remarkable fight against South Africa but failed to cross the finish line. Meanwhile, social media was moved by the efforts shown by the Nepal Cricket team.
Take a look at how the netizens reacted to Nepal’s 1-run defeat to South Africa
Nepal fans are crying…!!!! – They are one of the most passionate fans in the world and supported Nepal in everywhere and lose by 1 run breaks their heart. pic.twitter.com/sszgT9RGeM
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 15, 2024
These images will hurt and haunt Nepal fans for a long time. A win against a Test nation in the World Cup could have significantly boosted confidence moving forward. Nepal lost by a mere one run, having controlled their run chase for most of their innings. pic.twitter.com/ql0B37Mfwt— Samraat Maharjan (@MaharjanSamraat) June 15, 2024
What a game – Nepal – especially the bowlers – were world class pic.twitter.com/6gexJcGOov— Luke Beaumont (@BeaumontLuke) June 15, 2024
This is heartbreaking but Nepal cricket will rise. pic.twitter.com/BBcggWJC5Q— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 15, 2024
Feel for Nepal. Playing world cup after 10 years and lost by one run pic.twitter.com/jtFsQIV4JQ— Muzamal Dhother (@Sust_insaan) June 15, 2024
A wonderful game of cricket!A night that belonged to Nepal @CricketNep as they fell just short of their Cricketing Everest v South Africa.@T20WorldCupSA won by one run.Nepal have enhanced their reputation in the World of Cricket.— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) June 15, 2024
The world is absolutely proud of the fight, @CricketNep pic.twitter.com/5Da3giRQeT— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 15, 2024
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted to Nepal’s tough fight against South Africa.
Cha https://t.co/HtpP10W3QZ— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) June 15, 2024
Captain Paudel ‘Proud’ of his unit
Nepal captain Paudel reserved huge praise for his team for exhibiting commendable effort against a big team. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he admitted
“Very proud of the unit, especially the way we bowled and batted,” Paudel said.
“We were so close yet a little far. We didn’t do well in the crunch moments but we fought very well. We’ll be on the other side next time if we play teams like this more often. I want to thank the fans for supporting us. We are very grateful to them,” he added.
Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.
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