Positioned within the Group of Demise, South Africa started the Tremendous 8 stage of the T20 World Cup with an 18-run win as america of America stretched them to the restrict on Wednesday. Chasing 195 for a win at North Sound (Antigua), impressed by South Africa-born Andries Gous unbeaten 80 off 47 balls, the US have been within the recreation until the 18th over earlier than quick bowler Kagiso Rabada bowled a game-changing nineteenth over, the place he conceded simply two runs and took the wicket of Harmeet Singh. The US by no means recovered from it because the reduction in South Africa’s camp ultimately stated a narrative in itself.
However earlier than Rabada received the ball within the penultimate over, it was all about Gous. The 30-year-old born and raised in South Africa, performed for Free State of their home circuit until 2020, moved to the US solely in 2021. And in opposition to acquainted faces within the South Africa ranks, Gous ensured that the US stayed within the chase though wickets fell round him. After Stevan Taylor’s early push, when US have been 53/2, a gripping chase was on. However within the subsequent six overs, the US would drift away, shedding three extra wickets and scoring simply 34 runs. However in Harmeet, Gous discovered an ideal ally as they introduced US again on observe with a 91-run standoff simply 43 deliveries as South Africa regarded shell-shocked earlier than Rabada intervened.
On a day when South Africa’s batting unit confirmed their may, their bowlers have been less than scratch. After a decent win over Bangladesh and surviving a scare in opposition to Nepal – who misplaced by one run – US practically pulled off a stunning win. England and the West Indies can be a stern check for South Africa until they pull up their socks on the bowling entrance.
Their points with the ball apart, it was a day on which South Africa’s batsmen fired. Quinton de Kock (74, 40b), who struggled within the US-leg, discovered type, and so did captain Aiden Markram (46, 32b).
Wickets falling however #AndriesGous stands tall for the USA! 💪🏻
Will Gous, alongside #HarmeetSingh, carry their crew again into the sport?
𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝟖 👉 #USAvSA | LIVE NOW | #T20WorldCupOnStar (solely accessible in India) pic.twitter.com/wPfVtS0GKW
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) June 19, 2024
Encountering a batsmen-friendly pitch for the primary time within the event, South Africa confirmed glimpses of what their power-packed batting order might do. It wasn’t all simple for South Africa although.
Earlier than Gous, their two different imports from India — left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar and left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh – made it difficult with the ball as effectively. Of their mixed quota of eight overs, they conceded solely 45 runs and picked up 4 wickets. However the remainder of the US assault failed to enhance the duo as South Africa have been in a position to get away everytime they appeared to fall behind. Developing in opposition to the left-right duo of De Kock and Markram after the autumn of Reeza Hendricks within the third over, the US assault struggled to change their strains. It meant, De Kock did majority of his scoring on the leg facet with all his 5 sixes coming between deep square-leg and mid-wicket.
Although David Miller departed for a primary ball zero off Harmeet’s bowling, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs ensured South Africa had a powerful end.
Temporary Scores: South Africa: 194 for 4 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 74, Aiden Markram 46, Heinrich Klaasen 36 n.o.; Saurabh Netravalkar 2/21, Harmeet Singh 2/24) bt USA: 176 for six in 20 overs (Andries Gous 80 n.o. Harmeet Singh 38; Kagiso Rabada 3/18).
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