In the 41st match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, South Africa triumphed over the United States of America by 18 runs. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the USA faced a formidable South African batting lineup that posted an imposing total of 194/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Quinton de Kock’s commanding innings
South Africa’s innings was anchored by an outstanding performance from Quinton de Kock, who scored a blistering 74 off 40 balls, featuring 7 fours and 5 sixes. Reeza Hendricks contributed 11 off 11 before being dismissed, while Aiden Markram‘s steady 46 off 32 balls bolstered the total. Heinrich Klaasen added 36 off 22 balls with some late fireworks, and Tristan Stubbs chipped in with a valuable 20 off 16. The USA bowlers had mixed fortunes; Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh were the pick, each claiming two wickets and keeping the scoring somewhat in check with figures of 2/21 and 2/24 respectively.
USA’s gallant chase
Chasing 195, the USA started aggressively with Steven Taylor scoring 24 off 14 balls. The innings was then dominated by Andries Gous, who played a valiant knock of 80 off 47 balls, including 5 fours and 5 sixes. Despite his efforts, the USA faced a steady fall of wickets at the other end, with only Harmeet (38 off 22) providing substantial support. Kagiso Rabada was instrumental in South Africa’s defense, taking 3 wickets for just 18 runs in his 4 overs. Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi each took a wicket, ensuring that the USA fell short, finishing at 176/6.
Key performances and turning points
De Kock’s explosive batting earned him the Player of the Match award, setting a challenging target that the USA struggled to meet. Netravalkar and Harmeet’s disciplined bowling performances were crucial in restricting South Africa to a manageable total. However, the USA’s middle order faltered against South Africa’s experienced bowling attack, especially Rabada, whose tight spell was pivotal in securing the win for his team.
South Africa’s victory by 18 runs underscored their strong position in the Super 8 Group 2, while the USA, despite the loss, showcased their potential with notable individual performances.
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Here is how fans reacted:
Powering on the Proteas 💥
Quinton de Kock takes home the @aramco POTM after his scintillating innings of 74 off 40 balls 🏅#T20WorldCup #USAvSA pic.twitter.com/0xk1pR0JAy
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 19, 2024
Andries Gous fought till the end for USA#cricket #T20WorldCup #SAvUSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/PbiCk7l1zc
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 19, 2024
New heroes everyday. Thank God for World Cup Cricket 👏🏻💗 pic.twitter.com/3Ru3FyKqWc
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 19, 2024
HARMEET SINGH, FROM INDIA..!!!
Bowls left arm spin: 4-0-24-2
Bats in lower order: 38(22)
He has been a package for the USA in this World Cup, What a talent. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/oMqiYsTd1r
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 19, 2024
USA fall short by 18 runs in a valiant chase of a target of 195 v South Africa. Andries Gous bats all 20 overs, ends 80* off 47 balls. He was on 35 off 29 balls after 14. How USA’s fortunes might have been different had his partners been able to get him on strike more often. pic.twitter.com/zGDZZp4J31
— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) June 19, 2024
A valiant knock from Andries Gous with 80* (47) wasn’t enough for USA as South Africa win by 18 runs – a really good effort from USA
That’s one down for SA, England up next on Friday! #T20WorldCup
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 19, 2024
Huge respect for the USA.
& Rabada saved it for SA.
Jasdeep Singh deserves belt treatment.#USAvsRSA
— Abhi aks (@abhiaks9231) June 19, 2024
Quinton De Kock in T20 WC before today: 48 runs in 4 inns
Quinton De Kock in T20 WC today: 78 runs in 1 inns
De Kock saved his best for the Super 8 clash, big match player 🔥🔥🔥#tapmad #HojaoADFree #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/IwMjz8EK21
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 19, 2024
Quinton De Kock with the bat today:
– 74 Runs
– 40 Balls
– 185 SR
– 7 Fours
– 5 Sixes
Player of the match award.👏#USAvSA | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mip2wurrsl
— Salman 🇵🇰 (@SalmanAsif2007) June 19, 2024
A good effort by #TeamUSA proved too short today as South Africa win by 18 runs.
A. Gous: 80* (47) – Not Out
Stay tuned for USA’s next match on June 21st against West Indies! #T20WorldCup | #USAvSA | #WeAreUSACricket 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zUloDCfkor
— USA Cricket (@usacricket) June 19, 2024
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