'If we get more exposure regularly, we'll be on other side of the result' - Rohit Paudel after harrowing one-run loss to South Africa
Nepal's wait for an inaugural triumph against a full-member side remained an elusive dream following an agonizing defeat to South Africa.
In what was anticipated to be a lopsided contest between Nepal and South Africa ahead of the fixture, the match defied expectations entirely. Nepal's aspirations soared as they successfully contained the star-studded Proteas batting lineup to a modest 115/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Their dreams seemed increasingly attainable as they matched South Africa's score with the same number of wickets lost by the 12th over (69/2), and even surpassed South Africa's run rate until the final over. However, their hopes were dashed as they faltered in chasing down the remaining eight runs off the final over of the game, culminating in a stirring come-from-behind victory for the Proteas.
Like the rest of the cricketing fraternity, Nepal's skipper, Rohit Paudel, expressed immense pride in his team's tenacious performance throughout the match at the post-match presentation, as they stood toe-to-toe with the favorites, denying them any respite till the very end. He acknowledged their commendable execution during crucial moments, recognizing that although they fell short, they were tantalizingly close to victory. Paudel emphasized that increased exposure and opportunities for associate nations like Nepal to compete against mainstream sides would significantly enhance their ability to prevail in critical situations, such as the one faced against South Africa.
"I'm very proud of the unit, especially the way we bowled and batted, I'm very proud of that. We were very close, but a little far. In crunch moments we did well, but the way we fought was very good. If we get more exposure regularly, we'll be on the other side [of the result]," stated Paudel at the post-match presentation.
You have to give them a lot of credit: Aiden Markram
Winning skipper, Aiden Markram, lavished praise on the Nepali bowling unit. He acknowledged their squad's depth and quality but noted that a lack of conviction, coupled with a dip in intensity and proactiveness, contributed to South Africa finding themselves in a precarious situation at the halfway point.
"I think it's two things: first and foremost, the way [Nepal] bowled, it made it really tough for us throughout the game. You have to give them a lot of credit. They put us under a lot of pressure, and it shows the quality they have in their change room. If you mix that with maybe not enough conviction in our plans and a slight lack in intensity, you can get stuck, and that's what happened tonight," added Markram.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Nepal vs South Africa, 31st Match - Who Said What?
Nepal's remarkable performance was orchestrated by spinners, Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel, who collectively claimed seven wickets for a mere 40 runs in their combined eight overs. The Nepalese bowlers exhibited such precision and economy that only Tristan Stubbs managed to score at a rate exceeding a run-a-ball.
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