(AFP Photo)

Dale Steyn expressed his support for Nepal during their T20 World Cup match against South Africa, acknowledging Nepal’s impressive performance. The contest, held in Kingstown on Saturday, saw Nepal come close to a historic victory over Steyn’s home nation. 

Despite a spirited effort from Nepal throughout the match, including a standout performance by Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa narrowly clinched a thrilling last-ball win by one run. Steyn referred to the match as the highlight of the tournament, emphasizing his admiration for underdogs and admitting he was rooting for Nepal despite his South African roots. Reflecting on the near-upset, Steyn remarked that it would have been a monumental moment for the World Cup if Nepal had managed to overcome South Africa.

“These nail-biting thrillers… I saw people crying in the stands. It shows how much it means to people and I think that’s what cricket is all about not the 200s but this. This is what the game is about. I think it would have been the talk of the town. It would have been the talk of the tournament if Nepal had gotten over the line. It would have been fantastic. They almost deserved to win,” he said.

Nepal came agonizingly close to a historic victory against South Africa in their T20 World Cup match. Requiring two runs from the final ball to secure a win or one to tie and force a Super Over, teenager Ghulsan Jha attempted a single but was run out at the non-striker’s end. This unfortunate event sealed South Africa’s narrow victory as they defended their modest total of 115-7.

The Nepal team, initially poised for their first-ever victory over an ICC full-member nation after needing 22 runs from the last 24 balls, faced a sudden downturn. Requiring 18 runs from 18 balls, their momentum faltered with the loss of three wickets for just one run within six balls, including two dismissals to spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.

Despite a late resurgence by Ghulsan, who managed a crucial boundary and then ran two with Sompal Kami, Nepal found themselves needing two runs from the final two deliveries. A dot ball followed by the unfortunate run out of Ghulsan on the last ball dashed Nepal’s hopes and left the players devastated on the field.

It was a heartbreaking conclusion for Nepal, who had come so close to a landmark victory in a match that was filled with twists and turns until the very last moment.