Defending a target of 195, the Proteas were spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, who delivered a standout performance with a spell of 3/18 from his four overS
19 June, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
South Africa secured an 18-run victory over the United States in their T20 World Cup Super 8 match held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound on Wednesday.
Defending a target of 195, the Proteas were spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, who delivered a standout performance with a spell of 3/18 from his four overs.
The USA's chase started strongly with Steven Taylor leading the charge against the South African bowlers. However, Rabada made an early breakthrough by dismissing Taylor for 24 runs. This pivotal wicket marked the beginning of regular setbacks for the American team as Nitish Kumar (8), captain Aaron Jones (0), Corey Anderson (2), and Shayan Jahangir (3) were all dismissed cheaply.
Despite the early losses, a spirited 91-run stand between Andries Gous and Harmeet Singh brought the USA back into contention. At one point, they needed just 28 runs from 12 balls to pull off an upset. However, Rabada's return in the 19th over proved decisive as he removed Harmeet on the first delivery, effectively stalling the USA's progress. With Harmeet out for 38 off 22 balls, the USA's hopes dimmed, and they concluded their innings at 176-6 after 20 overs. Gous top-scored with a valiant 80 off 47 balls, hitting 10 boundaries.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, South Africa had a shaky start with Reeza Hendricks continuing his poor form, departing for just 11 runs and leaving his team at 16-1 in 2.4 overs. The Proteas quickly regained their footing thanks to Quinton de Kock, who played a brilliant innings, scoring 74 off 40 balls with seven fours and five sixes. A crucial 110-run partnership between de Kock and captain Aiden Markram solidified South Africa's position.
Following de Kock's departure, the Proteas lost quick wickets with David Miller (0) and Markram (46) falling in succession. Heinrich Klaasen (36 off 22) and Tristan Stubbs (20 off 16) provided stability at the end, ensuring South Africa posted a competitive total of 194-4 in their allotted 20 overs.
For the USA, Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh were the standout bowlers, each claiming two wickets, with Netravalkar conceding just 21 runs from his four overs.
This win bolsters South Africa's position in the Super 8 stage as they look ahead to further challenges in the tournament.
