The T20 World Cup clash between Nepal and South Africa went down to the last ball, with the Asian side falling one run short of the target of 116 after Gulshan Jha was run out in chaotic manner.
A bottled run-chase
Nepal were well-placed in the second innings, needing 31 from the last 38 balls to record their first-ever win against a Full Member team, but some tight bowling from South Africa saw them needing eight off the final over.
A four and a double from Gulshan Jha brought the equation to two off the last two balls but smart plans and good execution from Ottneil Baartman saw South Africa sneak through.
The last ball had plenty of drama: Nepal needed two runs to win, with one taking the game into the Super Over. Baartman sent down a short ball outside Jha's off stump, which the left-handed batter missed as the ball went to the wicketkeeper.
Both Nepal batters, however, tried scrambling through for a bye. As Quinton de Kock threw the ball towards the non-striker’s end, it hit Jha’s back before deflecting sideways, where Klaasen was stationed. He quickly scooped up the ball and took aim at Jha’s end, who was unaware of his presence and had eased up the pace of his running, assuming he was safe.
As it turned out, he wasn't and Klaasen's throw found him narrowly short of the crease.
On-field umpire Joel Wilson referred it to the TV umpire, who confirmed Jha was out of his ground, handing Nepal a harrowing one-run defeat.
With the win, South Africa entered the Super Eights with an unbeaten record in the group stage while Nepal found themselves eliminated.
Watch the last ball run out during the SA vs NEP game here:
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