In an exhilarating clash at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia, South Africa edged out England by a narrow margin of 7 runs in the 45th match of the Super 8 Group 2 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. After electing to bowl first, England found themselves chasing a target of 164 set by South Africa. Despite a spirited effort, England fell just short, ending their innings at 156/6.
Quinton de Kock destroys England bowling
South Africa posted a competitive total of 163/6 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a stellar performance by Quinton de Kock. The star opener, who was named Player of the Match, smashed 65 runs off 38 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes, providing a solid foundation for the Proteas. He was well-supported by David Miller, who scored a crucial 43 off 28 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes. Other contributions came from Reeza Hendricks (19 off 25) and Tristan Stubbs (12 off 11). England’s bowling attack was led by Jofra Archer, who claimed 3 wickets for 40 runs, while Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali chipped in with a wicket each.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Quinton de Kock slams joint fastest fifty of T20 World Cup 2024 in ENG vs SA game
Keshav Maharaj shows exceptional bowling skills
Chasing 164, England’s innings lacked the momentum needed to overhaul South Africa’s total. Despite a valiant 52 off 37 balls from Harry Brook, who hit 7 boundaries, and a quickfire 33 off 17 from Liam Livingstone, England couldn’t cross the finish line. The South African bowlers maintained discipline, with Keshav Maharaj (2/25) and Kagiso Rabada (2/32) leading the attack. Ottniel Baartman and Anrich Nortje each contributed a wicket, keeping the pressure on England’s batsmen throughout the innings.
Key moments
England’s decision to bowl first seemed to backfire as De Kock and Miller took control of the match with their aggressive batting. England’s bowlers, especially Archer, provided crucial breakthroughs but couldn’t stop South Africa from setting a challenging target. In response, England’s top order struggled to build significant partnerships, and despite a late surge from Livingstone and Brook, the required run rate proved too steep.
Also WATCH: Jos Buttler takes a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Quinton de Kock in ENG vs SA game | T20 World Cup 2024
Here is how fans reacted
THANK YOU PROTEAS💪
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 21, 2024
South Africa hold their nerve, big moment for them in the context of the tournament! #ENGvSA #T20WorldCup
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) June 21, 2024
South Africa have turned a new page in this Worldcup
They have just found a way to win every close game that they have played so far
Well done @AidzMarkram . The confidence in his captaincy coming through because of his back to back wins as a skipper for @SunrisersECFC…
— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 21, 2024
ANOTHER DAY
ANOTHER TIGHT FINISH
ANOTHER W 😤 https://t.co/BuyCTDKDMP
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 21, 2024
I reiterate this point. The South African bowling group has a lot of belief in the camp! https://t.co/gPD3A1P1DA
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) June 21, 2024
South Africa pulling off close win after close win in this #T20WorldCup. It’s a new world. Favourites for the title now? This was probably their best T20 World Cup win in a while. Kagiso Rabada’s death bowling in this tournament has been sublime pic.twitter.com/YkvgQVWDH3
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) June 21, 2024
Exceptional from South Africa. Not known for making a comeback in the game. Indeed a morale booster for them.#ENGvSA
— Akshat (@Akshat_Cricket) June 21, 2024
And that’s how to bowl at the end of an innings:
Rabada 18th over – 4 runs, 1 wicket
Jansen 19th over – 7 runs
Nortje 20th over – 6 runs, 1 wicket#EngvSA #T20WorldCup
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 21, 2024
QDK has been in fantastic form in the Super Eights with two wonderful knocks! #T20WorldCup #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/JnNS9QxUPI
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 21, 2024
Wow. South Africa have been in some ding dong scraps during this tournament. Yet again Rabada crucial in bowling a tight over at just the right time. He pushes the finish line back just enough for others to do the rest.
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) June 21, 2024
South Africa willing themselves out of z sticky situation AGAIN 🙌🏽 #T20WC #SAvENG
— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) June 21, 2024
– SA vs WI.
– ENG vs USA.
It’s going to be interesting, even SA is still not confirmed, if WI beat USA tomorrow, it’s going to be a proper Anti Climax in this group. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Mw37U7oo12
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 21, 2024
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