South Africa clinched a dramatic victory over Nepal by one run in a nail-biting finish at the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.

Despite Nepal's promising start, the Proteas' bowling prowess secured the win in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Chasing a modest target of 116 set by Markram-led Africa, Nepal seemed poised for victory, reaching 85-2 with Aasif Sheikh and AK Sah adding 50 runs in a 36-ball third-wicket partnership.

However, South Africa's bowlers, led by Tabraiz Shamsi's impressive 4-19 in four overs, turned the tide with crucial late wickets.

The match's climax saw Ottneil Baartman bowling the final over, with Nepal needing eight runs to win. Baartman conceded a four on the third ball but held his nerve, delivering two dot balls.

With two runs required off the last delivery, Baartman bowled short, and Gulsan Jha failed to run the ball past the keeper. Quinton de Kock's throw to the bowler's end deflected off Jha, but Heinrich Klaasen's quick under-arm flick onto the stumps caught the batter short by a yard, sealing South Africa's victory.

Earlier, Nepal won the toss and chose to field, restricting South Africa to 115-7 in 20 overs with a clinical bowling display. Reeza Hendricks top-scored for South Africa with 43 runs off 49 balls, while Tristan Stubbs contributed an unbeaten 27 off 18 balls.

Kushal Bhurtel's 4-19 in three overs and Dipendra Singh Airee's 3-21 kept South Africa in check.