Nepal’s Super 8 hopes dashed as they lose to South Africa

KATHMANDU: With their second consecutive loss in the ICC T-20 World Cup, Nepal’s chances of reaching the Super 8 are over.

After falling short by just 1 run against Test nation South Africa in the Group D match on Saturday morning, Nepal has been eliminated from the race for the Super 8 in the World Cup.

Batting second, Nepal chased a target of 116 runs but could only muster 114/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Ashif Sheikh top-scored for Nepal with 42 runs, facing 49 balls including four fours and a six, while Anil Sah contributed 37 runs from 24 balls, striking three fours and a six.

Kushal Bhurtel scored 13 runs from 21 balls, but the rest of the batsmen couldn’t reach double figures, exposing Nepal’s middle-order vulnerability and costing them the match.

Kushal Bhurtel was the standout performer for Nepal with the ball as well, claiming four wickets for 19 runs.

Dipendra Singh Airee supported with three wickets, conceding 21 runs in his spell.

However, Sandeep Lamichhane remained wicketless, giving away 18 runs in four overs.

Before facing Nepal in Group D, South Africa had already secured a spot in the Super 8 of the World Cup, leading the table with eight points from four wins out of four matches.

Bangladesh followed in second place with four points, while the Netherlands stood third with two points.

Nepal and Sri Lanka were at the bottom with one point each from three matches.

Bangladesh’s chances of advancing to the Super 8 from this group have significantly improved.