T20 WC 2024, Match 31, South Africa vs Nepal: South Africa struggle amidst Kushal Bhurtel-Dipendra Singh masterclass - Cricket Winner

The 31st match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is currently taking place between South Africa vs Nepal at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown in St Vincent on Jun 14, 07:30 PM local. Nepal won the toss and opted to bowl first. Kushal Bhurtel claimed four wickets whereas Dipendra Singh scalped three and restricted the opponent to a below-par total.

Reeza Hendricks shines with the bat

Put into bat first, South Africa had a steady start. Their openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock tried to steady the ship. However, the latter got out for 10 runs as Dipendra Singh grabbed a catch of his own bowling and sent him in. However, Aiden Markram joined Reeza in the middle and they added 48 runs before Kushal Bhurtel bowled Markram for 15 runs as well.

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In-form Klaasen and David Miller couldn’t contribute much as Dipendra Singh and Kushal Bhurtel did well in the middle overs. However, Tristan Stubbs tried to build a partnership but didn’t get any support from the other end. He remained unbeaten on 27 off 18 with 2 fours and a six. On the other hand, Reeza Hendricks smashed 43 off 49 with 5 fours and a six.

Kushal Bhurtel-Dipendra Singh steals the show with the ball

Their efforts helped South Africa post 115 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh did exceptionally well with the ball. While the former claimed four wickets, the latter scalped three and restricted the opponent to a below-par total as well.

Kushal Bhurtel said after the first innings – “Thanks a lot, the wicket was a bit slow, I just bowled the right line and I’m very happy. We have never beaten a Test nation before, but this is a great chance to create history. The wicket is a bit slow, but I think we’ll do well.”