The United States of America put on a spirited display before losing to South Africa in the first Super Eights game of the T20 World Cup 2024. The co-hosts of the tournament aggregated 176 in a chase of 195.
At the completion of the 17th over, South Africa were clearly in the ascendancy. However, Andries Gous and Harmeet Singh combined to club Tabraiz Shamsi for 22 in a single over to leave the game in balance. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the experienced pacemen, then gave away a mere nine runs in the last two overs to ensure South Africa would pick up vital points from the game. Gous remained undefeated on a valiant 80 off 47 deliveries.
For South Africa, Rabada upped his game at the right moment and bagged three wickets for the cost of 18 runs in four overs. Nortje, Shamsi and Kesav Maharaj also picked up a wicket each. Although, Shamsi was expensive, giving away 50 runs in his quota of four overs.
The foundation stone of South Africa’s victory was set by Quinton de Kock, cracking a 40-ball 74. Aiden Markram (46 off 32) and Heinrich Klaasen (36 not out off 22) also played their parts with vital hands. Meanwhile, Saurabh Netravalkar, the left-arm pace bowler, continued to excel for the USA, scalping two wickets for just 21 runs in four overs.
Harmeet, the all-rounder, also had two wickets to his name. Jadeep Singh, who could only contribute two with the bat, had a bad day at the office, as he also gave away 36 runs in just two overs.