'We've been put under pressure every game and stood up to it' - Tabraiz Shamsi after South Africa's one-run win over Nepal

In an absolute thriller at Kingstown on Saturday, South Africa clinched a nail-biting last-ball victory against Nepal in Match 31 of the T20 World Cup 2024. After being put in to bat first, the Proteas were restricted to 115/7, with Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel sharing seven wickets between them.

During the tense run chase, it looked like an easy target for Nepal at one stage. However, left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi turned the match on its head with a sensational spell of 4/19 to leave Nepal needing eight runs off the final over.

Despite Aasif Sheikh's 42, the experienced Heinrich Klaasen held his nerves to inflict a run-out off the final delivery and secure a memorable one-run win. Shamsi was named the Player of the Match and acknowledged the close contested encounters so far that South Africa has played in the marquee event.

"It's a little bit closer than we've needed it to be, testing out all the scores, We've been put under pressure in every single game and we have stood up to it, Shamsi said after the match.

Also read: Nepal put us under a lot of pressure, it shows the quality they have: Aiden Markram

Our fast bowlers did a great job in New York: Tabraiz Shamsi

With spin playing a crucial role on the Caribbean tracks, the left-arm spinner emphasised South Africa's need to shift its game plan in the coming games of the marquee event.

"Our fast bowlers did a great job in New York but our slower bowlers will have to take up the mantle now," he added.

Despite their struggles with the bat, where the top three of Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Markram have managed just 129 runs collectively, South Africa have found different match-winners to bail them out in crunch situations in every single game so far.

Also read: Rohit Paudel after harrowing one-run loss to South Africa

As they progress to the Super Eight stage as group toppers, the Proteas will look to put up a more complete performance. Their ability to win tight games from tricky situations could prove to be a major asset in the crunch knockout matches ahead in their quest for a historic maiden T20 World Cup title.