KATHMANDU, June 15: Nepal narrowly lost to South Africa by 1 run in a crucial match to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the ICC T20 World Cup quarter-finals.

Chasing a target of 116 runs, Nepal needed 2 runs off the last ball to secure victory or 1 run to force a super over, but unfortunately, Gulshan Jha was run out, leaving Nepal just short by 1 run.

Gulshan scored 6 runs in the final over, including a crucial boundary.

Opener Ashif Sheikh anchored Nepal's innings with 42 runs off 49 balls, featuring 4 fours and 1 six. Anil Sah contributed 27 runs off 24 balls, with 3 fours and 1 six. Kushal Bhurtel, the other opener, scored 13 runs off 21 balls, including 1 four and 1 six.

Captain Rohit Poudel and Dipendra Singh Airee were dismissed cheaply, while Sompal Kami remained not out on 8 runs.

In the bowling department, Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa took 4 wickets, while Anrich Nortje and Aiden Markram claimed 1 wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal's disciplined bowling restricted South Africa to 115 runs. Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee were the top performers, taking 4 and 3 wickets, respectively.

For South Africa, Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 43 runs off 49 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. Captain Aiden Markram contributed 15 runs, while other batsmen struggled to build partnerships.

Despite the spirited effort, Nepal's loss dashed their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals with one game remaining in Group 'D'. They will face Bangladesh in their final match.