South Africa have survived a lucky escape against Nepal, with a last-ditch result in the final over seeing the Proteas overcome what would’ve been on the biggest upsets in the history of T20 Cricket.
Nepal came into the match having only played eleven games against full member nations, however a stunning session with the ball saw South Africa only make 115, and with a strong opening to the batting, Nepal looked set to produce an incredible win.
However, a superb 18th over from Tabraiz Shamsi that saw him claim two wickets (most critically including in-form Aasif Sheikh), saw the final set for a grandstand finish, with Nepal only needing eight runs for victory. They only managed six, seeing South Africa win by one run.
The result sees the Proteas qualify for the Super Eight – and Nepal has been eliminated from the tournament as a result.
Tabraiz Shamsi were critical for the Proteas pulling off a surprise come-from-behind win. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
New Zealand has also bowed out of the tournament on a high, demolishing Uganda by nine wickets after dismissing them for just 40.
While the result was a comprehensive win, the West Indies and Afghanistan qualifying for the Super Eight in Group C means the Black Caps will finish the pool in third, being eliminated as a result.
The United States have qualified for the second round on their Twenty20 World Cup debut after their last group game, against Ireland, was washed out.
Rain meant the match was abandoned without a ball bowled, advancing the US to the Super Eight stage and automatically qualifying the Americans for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The US qualified for this T20 World Cup only as a co-host with the West Indies, but have used home advantage to make a stunning first impression in their first global cricket tournament.
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While the Americans progressed, former champions Pakistan, along with Ireland, were eliminated from Super Eight contention.
Team USA celebrate victory over Pakistan at Texas. (Photo by Matt Roberts-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Pakistan won the title in 2009 and reached two more finals, including at the last T20 World Cup in 2022. Ireland were also expected to be a threat. The Irish also reached the second round on their debut in 2009 and repeated the feat in 2022.
The point from the washout in their last Group A game was enough for the US to advance, having beaten Canada in Texas and stunned Pakistan on Long Island in the first week.
Tying Pakistan in regular overs then beating them in a super over was one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
The Americans were then thumped by unbeaten India, one of the title favourites, as expected on Wednesday but the hosts’ progression without being able to play on Friday was still well deserved.
The umpires made four inspections of the wet outfield before heavy rain arrived at around 1:30pm. local time and the match was called off three hours after its scheduled start.
The 17th-ranked US join the West Indies, India, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan in the Super Eight, with two more teams yet to qualify. The Super Eight splits into two groups, with each team guaranteed three g
