South Africa held off a late threat from co-hosts USA as they completed a nervy 18-run victory at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua to kick off the Super 8s stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup.
Chasing 195 for victory, USA’s Andries Gous (73) made a spectacular 33-ball fifty to give his side hope of pulling off another famous victory, smashing three sixes in the 18th over to slash their required total to 28 from 12 balls.
However, the South African-born Gous was unable to get his side over the line after some tight bowling from Kagiso Rabada (3-18) and Anrich Nortje (1-37) at the death held them to 176-6.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (L) celebrates the dismissal of USA’s Harmeet Singh
Earlier, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (74) smashed seven boundaries and five sixes during his outing, hitting his highest score of the tournament as he shared a terrific second-wicket partnership worth 110 runs alongside his captain Aiden Markram (46).
Heinrich Klaasen (36no) and Tristan Stubbs (20no) shared an unbeaten 53-run partnership to trouble the co-hosts even further and help South Africa post 194-4.
USA’s left-arm bowler Saurabh Netravalkar (2-21), who bowled the famous Super Over during their historic victory against Pakistan, and spinner Harmeet Singh (2-24) both picked up two wickets apiece but were unable to fully eliminate the threat of South Africa’s big hitters.
The victory means South Africa move to the top of Group 2 with two points with USA behind in second place.
More to follow…
Catch every match from the T20 World Cup, including the final in Barbados on Saturday June 29, live on Sky Sports.
What’s next?
South Africa head to Saint Lucia for their clash against defending champions England on Friday 21 June (3.30pm UK and Ireland), while USA go to Barbados for their meeting against co-hosts West Indies on Saturday 22 June (1.30pm UK and Ireland).
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