South Africa survived a major scare from Nepal, securing a nerve-jangling one-run victory in their final Group D match of the T20 World Cup at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent on Friday. Chasing a modest target of 116, Nepal fell agonizingly short at 114 for seven, with Gulshan Jha run out off the final ball as he attempted a single off Ottneil Baartman to force a super over.

Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee shine with the ball

Leg-break bowler Kushal Bhurtel (4 for 19) and off-spinner Dipendra Singh Airee (3 for 21) were instrumental in restricting South Africa to 115 for seven. Despite the Proteas’ top order struggling, opener Reeza Hendricks managed to provide some stability with a top score of 43 off 49 balls, featuring five fours and one six. A late effort by Tristan Stubbs (27 not out off 18 balls) added crucial runs before Bhurtel closed the innings with the wickets of Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada off successive balls.

A performance to be proud of 🫶

Keep your heads high, @CricketNep ❤️#T20WorldCup #SAvNEP pic.twitter.com/eOVnvpXQUM

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 15, 2024

Reeza Hendricks provides stability for South Africa

South Africa’s innings were marked by Reeza Hendricks’ composed 43 runs off 49 balls. Despite his efforts, the team struggled to get on top of the disciplined Nepalese bowling attack. Tristan Stubbs’ quickfire 27 not out off 18 balls added some much-needed runs towards the end of the innings, but the Proteas could only manage 115 for seven in their 20 overs.

#HeinrichKlaasen's 𝐊𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐬 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

Aasif Sheikh and Anil Sah lead Nepal’s chase

In response, Nepal’s chase were anchored by Aasif Sheikh (42 off 49 balls) and Anil Sah (27 off 24 balls), who featured in a vital 50-run third-wicket partnership. Sheikh, who was dropped on one to a caught-and-bowled chance by Kagiso Rabada, managed to see off the initial threat but was eventually dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi. Shamsi’s return in the 18th over proved pivotal as he claimed both Sah and Sheikh, finishing with figures of four for 19.

Hold your heads high Nepal. That was South Africa you almost took down today. You have some of the most passionate fans and you let them believe. Hopefully bigger days are round the corner.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 15, 2024

#TabraizShamsi is turning the game and HOW! 🔥

Will #SouthAfrica make an incredible comeback to register their 4th win?#SAvNEP | LIVE NOW | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/cTeyYIIhrt

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 15, 2024

Instant impact! 💥#TabraizShamsi's twin strikes bring South Africa back into the game! 👀#SAvNEP | LIVE NOW | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/A0YtiFPMOK

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 15, 2024

The final overs were a tense affair, with Anrich Nortje bowling Kushal Malla in the 19th over to tilt the balance in South Africa’s favor. Despite their efforts, Nepal fell just short, ending at 114 for seven. Sandeep Lamichhane, who had missed the first two matches due to visa issues, went wicketless but inspired his team with his presence.

South Africa survive 😲#T20WorldCup | #SAvNEP 📲 https://t.co/AIFzQo3XNF pic.twitter.com/SHaairZi1E

— ICC (@ICC) June 15, 2024

See Also: T20 WC 2024, Match 31, South Africa vs Nepal: South Africa struggle amidst Kushal Bhurtel-Dipendra Singh masterclass

South Africa, already assured of a place in the Super Eight stage, managed to close out the group campaign with a perfect record, winning all four matches. Nepal, despite their spirited performance, fell heartbreakingly short of an upset that would have kept their tournament hopes alive.