In a gripping contest at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, South Africa emerged victorious over the United States in their Super Eight stage match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite a valiant effort from the USA, particularly a stellar 91-run partnership between Andries Gous and Harmeet Singh, it was Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding bowling that clinched an 18-run win for South Africa.

South Africa’s strong start

South Africa set the tone early in their innings, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s fiery half-century. De Kock blazed his way to 74 off just 40 balls, hammering seven boundaries and five sixes. His aggressive approach ensured that South Africa crossed the 100-run mark inside the first 10 overs. Skipper Aiden Markram supported de Kock with a solid 46 off 32 deliveries, and their 110-run partnership for the second wicket laid a strong foundation.

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Key Partnerships

The second-wicket partnership between de Kock and Markram was crucial. It not only stabilized the innings after an early loss but also set a platform for the lower order to capitalize. Heinrich Klaasen, with an unbeaten 36, and Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 20, ensured South Africa reached a formidable total of 194/4.

USA’s initial fightback

USA’s innings got off to a promising start with opener Steven Taylor making quick runs. However, South Africa’s bowlers soon fought back, picking up crucial wickets and putting the USA under pressure. Taylor’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, with the next four batsmen contributing just 23 runs in total.

Gous and Harmeet’s counterattack

Despite the early setbacks, Andries Gous and Harmeet Singh spearheaded a brilliant counterattack. Their 91-run partnership breathed life into the USA’s chase, with Gous scoring a remarkable 80 off 47 balls. Harmeet’s aggressive approach complemented Gous perfectly, and their left-hand, right-hand combination proved destructive for a while.

South Africa’s bowling prowess

South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, proved to be the difference. Rabada’s figures of 3 for 19 from 4 overs were exceptional on a batting-friendly wicket. Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj also chipped in with crucial wickets, while Tabraiz Shamsi’s initial breakthrough further dented USA’s chase.

Rabada’s game-changing over

The 19th over bowled by Kagiso Rabada was the turning point of the match. With USA needing a big push to get over the line, Rabada bowled a brilliant over, conceding just a few runs and taking the crucial wicket of Harmeet Singh. His composure and skill under pressure ensured that South Africa stayed in control.

Player of the Match

Quinton de Kock, Player of the Match: There have been a few tricky wickets, nice to spend time out there. USA put us under pressure, it was a great game. Just trying to focus on scoring runs, rest of it will take care of itself. We have had a few tricky wickets coming into this game, so it was great to be out there. We still have a few games to win, we are coming up against big teams. It was a good game, but it changes next time. Different venue, different team, so you never know what’s out there.

Highest individual scores for USA (T20I)
101* Steven Taylor vs Jersey Bulawayo 2022
94* Aaron Jones vs Can Dallas 2024
80* Andries Gous vs SA North Sound 2024
72 Steven Taylor vs USA Dubai 2019

Most wkts for South Africa in T20 WCs
30 Anrich Nortje
30 Dale Steyn
24 Morne Morkel
22 Kagiso Rabada

Among the 58 bowlers to have bowled 50+ overs in the tournament, Nortje has the best avg (10.16), SR (11.3) and ER (5.36).

Fifth win on the bounce for South Africa in T20 WC 2004 – the joint longest for them in the competition equaling five consecutive wins in the 2009 edition