T20 World Cup 2024: 'Underdog' fan Dale Steyn reveals he was rooting for Nepal's win versus South Africa

Dale Steyn hailed the South Africa versus Nepal encounter as the match of the 2024 T20 World Cup after the Proteas emerged victorious in the low-scoring thriller by one run at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown on Saturday, June 15.

Chasing a paltry target of 116, albeit on a tricky surface, the Asian side cruised at one stage. Only 18 runs were required off the last three overs, with seven wickets in the bank. However, Tabraiz Shamsi's last over, which was also the 18th over of the innings, set the cat among the pigeons after he bagged two wickets, including the well-set Aasaif Sheikh. Eventually, with two runs required off the last ball, Gulshan Jha failed to connect with a short ball from Ottneil Baartman and tried to scamper through for a bye. However, Heinrich Klaasen showed composure and hit the stumps with his under-arm flick to find Gulshan short of his crease.

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

After the match, legendary South African speedster, Dale Steyn, said he was a fan of 'underdog' teams and wanted Nepal to get over the line. The match was inconsequential anyway for the Rainbow Nation after they had already booked their spot in the Super Eight stage with wins in each of their three previous Group D matches. Nepal were also eliminated after their defeat.

"It was incredible to watch. I think the match of the tournament, to be honest with you. I'm a big underdog fan, so, even being a South African, I was kind of like, 'Come on, Nepal.' You were spurring them on," Steyn said while analysing the match in a video posted by the ICC (International Cricket Council).

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

"These nail-biting thrillers, I saw people crying in the stands, it shows how much it means to people, and that’s what cricket is all about. Not the 200s, this is what the game is about. I think it would have been talk of the town, talk of the tournament, if Nepal had gotten over the line. It would have been fantastic. They almost deserve to win” he added.

South Africa are placed at No. 1 on the points table from Group D and have already qualified. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Nepal have been ousted from this group. The second spot in the Super Eight stage from this group has two contenders - Bangladesh and the Netherlands. A win for Bangladesh against Nepal will take them through to the next round.