In a T20 World Cup 2024 Group D match in Kingstown on Saturday, Rohit Paudel’s Nepal will look to maintain their Super 8 hopes against a formidable South African side.
Three victories in as many games have guaranteed the Proteas a spot in the Super 8. Though they will have to overcome South Africa and Bangladesh in back-to-back games to secure their place, Nepal has the opportunity to write their own story from this point on.
A washout against Sri Lanka gave Nepal a point, but they lost their inaugural match against the Netherlands. The team led by Aiden Markram, however, enters the game having defeated Bangladesh by four runs in New York.
SA vs NEP: Top 5 Players to Watch Out For:
Karan KC:
Karan is Nepal’s fastest bowler and a real wicket-taker. He only claimed 3 wickets in 5 games during the West Indies A series, but his bowling is significantly better. The 32-year-old bowler is adept at taking wickets and has bowling experience.
He bowls hard overs throughout both the powerplay and the end of the innings. His fast ball-swinging skill makes him a threatening bowler. When the conditions are right, he is a killer. He can hit in the bottom order in addition to bowling quickly.
Rohit Paudel:
Rohit Paudel is one of Nepal’s most dependable batters in the lineup. He is a young, talented batter. He was in top form during Nepal’s recent home series against West Indies A, scoring 265 runs in just four matches at an average of 132.50 and a strike rate of 177.85.
The 21-year-old will most likely bat at No. 3, and he will be under a lot of pressure to lead Nepal to victory.
Tristan Stubbs:
Right-hander Tristan Stubbs has amassed 108 runs in his previous five games. His ability to finish innings forcefully and score runs fast gives South Africa’s batting lineup a vital new dimension. In the middle and last overs, Stubbs’ performance will be crucial for giving the team the momentum they need to win. Stubbs’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in the middle overs, contributing significantly to the team’s balance.
Marco Jansen:
In his last four games, left-arm medium-fast bowler Marco Jansen has claimed just three wickets. Jansen will be keen to improve his performance and deliver his team vital breakthroughs against the Netherlands, despite his recent small wicket total. Jansen’s contributions in both departments add depth to the African side, making him a key player to watch.
Reeza Hendricks:
Right-hander Reeza Hendricks, who bats in the top order, has been hitting quite well lately. In his last five games, he has scored 204 runs. To lay a strong platform and exert pressure on the Dutch bowlers, South Africa will need Hendricks to perform consistently at the top of the order.
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