(Cricket SA)
Following South Africa’s narrow one-run victory over Nepal in the T20 World Cup 2024, skipper Aiden Markram expressed gratitude for securing the win.
Markram contributed 15 runs from 22 balls at a strike rate of 68.18, hitting two boundaries during his innings. He acknowledged his slow start in the match.
In his post-match remarks, Markram admitted that South Africa did not deliver their best performance against Nepal. However, he praised the seamers for their excellent pace attack.
“Very grateful to have got the win. Don’t think we were anywhere near our best tonight. For large parts, don’t think we thought we’d be on the right side of that as well. Lot of learnings for us. We’ve got a really good pace attack and you have to back that. We spoke about coming in with energy and see if there was anything in the wicket. In hindsight we should’ve played another spinner, didn’t think it would spin that much,” Markram said.
The South African captain acknowledged Nepal’s strong bowling performance in the first innings, which posed challenges for his team.
“They bowled really well and made it tough for us. They put us under a lot of pressure and it shows the quality they have. Mix that with a lack of conviction in our dressing room so there’s a lot of learnings for us,” he added.
Recapping the match, Nepal won the toss and opted to field first. Reeza Hendricks anchored the innings amid frequent dismissals, scoring 43 runs off 49 balls with five boundaries and a six. South Africa struggled to 82/4 in 15.3 overs before a late surge, led by a brisk 27 not out off 18 balls including two fours and a six, lifted them to 115/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Kushal Bhurtel impressed with the ball for Nepal, while Dipendra Singh Airee claimed 3/21 in his four-over spell. In pursuit of 116 runs, Nepal was guided by Aasif Sheikh’s steady innings after a shaky start at 35/2 in 7.4 overs. Aasif combined for a vital 50-run partnership with Anil Sah. Nepal needed eight runs off the final over but fell short by one run due to a run-out on the last ball, missing out on a notable victory.
Tabraiz Shamsi starred with the ball for South Africa, finishing with figures of 4/19 in four overs. Anrich Nortje and Aiden Markram also chipped in with a wicket each. Shamsi’s stellar performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade.
South Africa concluded the group stage unbeaten with four wins from four matches, accumulating eight points to top Group D. Meanwhile, Nepal finished in fourth place with two losses and one no-result, securing just one point in the standings.
