T20 World Cup 2024: ‘Proud of The Fight’ – Cricket Fraternity Reacts After Nepal Come Close To South Africa Upset

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Nepal came very close to achieving one of the upsets of the T20 World Cup 2024 and their biggest win in cricket, but fell short by one run to South Africa at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent on Saturday (June 15).

Nepal needed two runs from the last ball of the match to win, one run to match South Africa's modest total of 115-7 and force a Super Over. However, Ghulsan Jha's run out at the non-striker's end in the final ball saw Proteas hold on to win a thrilling match.

The Nepal players and fans were disconsolate as 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.

The Asian side needed 18 runs from 18 balls but lost three wickets for one run in the space of 6 balls including two wickets to spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and the equation changed. Anrich Nortje struck in the 19th over to further damage Nepal's hopes.

Gulshan, then, was unable to score from the first two balls of the last over, bowled by Ottneil Baartman. But slashed a four through the off side to reduce the required runs to 4 from three balls.

Gulshan ran two with Sompal Kami and Nepal needed 2 from two balls. The fifth ball was a dot ball - no runs were scored - and Gulshan was run out next ball to end the match.

"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."

While fans and the players were in tears following the result, cricket fraternity were full of praise for the Nepal team which nearly pulled off one of the greatest upsets in recent times.

"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 posted on X.

"A wonderful game of cricket! A night that belonged to Nepal as they fell just short of their Cricketing Everest v South Africa. SA won by one run. Nepal have enhanced their reputation in the World of Cricket," Alan Wilkins posted on X.

Some of the T20 league teams including Rajasthan Royals and MI Cape Town also took to social media to post their reactions to Nepal's fight against a top team like South Africa.