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'We Came Close But…,' Emotional Nepal Skipper Rohit Paudel Speaks After Close Defeat To SA

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel (x.com)Nepal captain Rohit Paudel (x.com)

Nepal fell a run short against South Africa in match number 31 of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. After restricting a strong Proteas batting line-up to just 115-7 upfront, Nepal players crumbled under pressure during the tense stages of the run-chase.

After the match, a visibly emotional Nepal skipper, Rohit Paudel, praised the collective brilliance of his bowlers and found a silver lining in his team's close defeat on the big stage.


Nepal captain proud of performance, thanks fans for support

While speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel hailed the collective brilliance of his bowlers, particularly spinners like Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee, for reaping the benefits of the slow surface at Kingstown's Arnos Vale Ground. 

He said:

“I am very proud of our bowlers. When we saw the wicket yesterday, we thought it will be on the slower side. It went really well when were bowling, it was turning a bit and when we introduced our spinners. Then I brought on Kushal Burthel and then we carried on with spinners.”

Paudel added that while Nepal lost the game at a crunch moment, the exposure his players received will help them yield better results going ahead. 

The 21-year-old batting all-rounder also thanked the passionate fans of Nepal cricket for travelling across oceans to support the team.

“We came close but in the end still too far. In the crunch moment, we didn't do well. But this exposure will help to be on the other side of the result next time. I want to thank them for supporting us. Even during rains they come and support us. I want to thank them and really grateful to them.”

Nepal will now face Bangladesh in their final Group D match of the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 17. The much-awaited contest will also be staged at the Kingstown-based venue.