Nepal’s Super 8 hopes dashed in agonizing one-run defeat to South Africa

KATHMANDU: Nepal lost an exciting match against South Africa by one run.

Chasing South Africa’s 116-run mark, Nepal scored 114 runs for the lost of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

For Nepal, opener Asif Shah was the top scorer with 42 runs. Anil Shah also played a responsible innings, scoring 27 runs off 24 balls.

Kusal Bhurtel contributed 13 runs, while captain Rohit Paudel was dismissed for a duck.

Dipendra Singh Airee managed to add 6 runs to the total. South African bowler Tabraiz Shamsi took 4 wickets, while captain Aiden Markram and Anrich Nortje claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, South Africa, who batted first after losing the toss, posted 115 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs.

Reeza Hendricks was the highest scorer for South Africa with 43 runs.

Captain Aiden Markram made 15, Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 27, and Quinton de Kock contributed 10 runs.

Nepali bowler Dipendra Singh Airee delivered an impressive performance, taking 3 wickets while giving away 21 runs in his 4 overs.

Kusal Bhurtel also shone with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in his 4 overs.

With this loss, Nepal’s chances of advancing to the Super Eight have ended.

Nepal’s next match is scheduled for Monday morning against Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, South Africa has completed its group stage matches.