Nepal missed a golden opportunity of achieving their best-ever win in cricket, losing by one run to powerhouse South Africa on Friday.
Nepal needed two runs from the last ball to win, one run to match South Africa’s modest total of 115/7 and force a Super Over. But teenager Ghulsan Jha was run out at the non-striker’s end attempting a single from the final ball and South Africa went on to win a thrilling match.
The Nepal players were disconsolate. They seemed to be headed for Nepal’s first win in 12 attempts against a ICC full member nation when they needed 22 runs from the last 24 balls.
They needed 18 from 18 but lost three wickets for one run within six balls, including two wickets to spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and the equation changed.
Gulshan was unable to score from the first two balls of the last over, bowled by Ottneil Baartman. He then slashed a four through the off side and Nepal needed four runs from three balls.
“We were very close and yet so far,” Nepal captain Rohit Paudel said.
“I think in crunch moments we did well and the way we fought was very good. If we can play top teams more regularly then next time we will be on the winning side.”
South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted “Nepal showed the quality they have”.
Brief scores: SA 115/7 in 20 ovs (Reeza Hendricks 43; Kushal Bhurtel 4/19, Dipendra Airee 3/21). Nepal 114/7 in 20 ovs (Tabraiz Shamsi 4/19). SA won by 1 run.
