‘We Belong Here’ – Paudel’s Message After Nepal’s Near Miss Against South Africa Nepal’s spectacular display against South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup Super 12s may have ended in a narrow defeat, but it sent a resounding message: Nepal belongs in the international cricket arena. The match, played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, saw Nepal come within inches of creating a historic upset. After a disciplined bowling performance restricted South Africa to 154/7, Nepal’s batters put up a valiant fight, falling just nine runs short of their target. Post-match, Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, expressed pride in his team’s performance. “We showed the world that we can compete with the best,” he said. “We belong here.” Paudel’s words resonate deeply with the team’s journey. Nepal, a country with a rich cricketing tradition but limited resources, has long fought for recognition and opportunities on the world stage. Their recent success in global tournaments, including reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 and qualifying for the T20 World Cup for the first time, has broken down barriers and opened doors. Nepal’s performance against South Africa has not only earned them admiration from cricket fans around the world but has also raised expectations for the future. The team has proven that with dedication, hard work, and belief, they can overcome any obstacle. Paudel’s message of “We belong here” is not just a statement of fact; it is a declaration of intent. Nepal is here to stay, and they will not be satisfied until they achieve their true potential. The team’s journey has inspired a nation and given hope to aspiring cricketers throughout Nepal. Their fighting spirit and unwavering determination serve as a reminder that anything is possible with belief and perseverance. Nepal’s near miss against South Africa may have been a setback, but it has also provided valuable lessons. The team will learn from their mistakes, improve their skills, and return even stronger. As they prepare for future challenges, Nepal’s players can take solace in Paudel’s words: “We belong here.” Their place in the international cricket arena is secure, and they are ready to make their mark on the world stage.Nepal Nearly Upsets South Africa in Historic World Cup Clash
Nepal Nearly Upsets South Africa in Historic World Cup Clash Nepal came close to pulling off a major upset by defeating tournament favorites South Africa in Group D of the 2024 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. With eight runs needed off six balls, Nepal had the momentum and their fans were roaring in anticipation. However, Ottneil Baartman’s cunning bowling forced two misses from Gulshan Jha, preventing Nepal from securing a historic first-ever victory against a Test-playing nation. Despite the narrow loss, Nepal’s performance was praised by experts. Captain Rohit Paudel expressed pride in his team’s efforts, particularly their bowling performance that restricted South Africa to 115/7. “We belong here,” said Paudel. “The way we bowled and batted today shows that we deserve to be on the world stage.” South African legend Dale Steyn dubbed the match as the “Match of the Tournament,” hailing the thrilling atmosphere created by Nepal’s passionate fan base. “It would have been fantastic if Nepal had won,” said Steyn. “They deserved to win.” While Nepal’s final group match against Bangladesh holds no qualifying significance for them, they can still have an impact on the Tigers’ chances. The Nepal-Bangladesh match will take place on June 16 in St. Vincent.
Nepal’s Near Miss Against South Africa Nepal’s cricket team nearly caused an upset against South Africa in their T20 World Cup match, but ultimately fell short by 6 wickets. Despite the loss, captain Gyanendra Malla expressed pride in his team’s performance. “We showed the world that we belong here,” Malla said after the match. “We gave a tough fight to one of the best teams in the world.” Nepal’s batsmen, led by opener Aasif Sheikh’s 46, put up a respectable total of 144/8. However, South Africa’s experienced batters chased down the target with ease, thanks to half-centuries from Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw. Despite the defeat, Malla remains confident in Nepal’s future in international cricket. “This team has a lot of potential,” Malla said. “We just need to keep working hard and improving our skills. I believe we can achieve great things in the future.” Nepal’s performance against South Africa has been hailed as a sign of their progress on the world stage. The team has now made history by becoming the first Associate nation to beat a Full Member nation in a T20 World Cup match. Malla’s message of “We belong here” is a powerful reminder that Nepal has the talent and determination to compete with the world’s best cricket teams. With continued hard work and support, the future looks bright for Nepal cricket.
