In their Group 2 Super Eight encounter of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday, South Africa’s seasoned pros triumphed by 18 runs despite a remarkable comeback from USA’s resilient Andries Gous. born in South Africa With five sixes and as many fours in a 47-ball 80 not out, Gous spearheaded an incredible comeback for the USA that saw them stay in the game until the very last over. However, the Proteas had the last laugh as they opened their account with two points in kitty.
It was going to be a huge assignment for the USA to chase 195 against South Africa’s bowling arsenal, even on a batting-friendly field here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, but the Associate nation showed great fortitude in closing with 176 for six in reply.
For most of the USA’s response, Gous, who was born in South Africa, fought alone. He and Harmeet Singh (38, 22 balls, 2x4s, 3x6s) put up an amazing 91-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but South Africa had far too many runs scored.
Although the USA’s captain Aaron Jones(0), batsman Nitish Kumar (8), Corey Anderson (12) and Shayan Jahangir (3) set the tone early for the team at the top with their 24 off 14 balls, 4x4s, and 1x6s, others failed to perform well with the bat and nearly closed the door on their side.
USA seemed to be out of it after being reduced to 76/5 in the 12th over and needing 119 runs to win.
However, Gous—who has represented South Africa’s U-19 team—and colts World Cup victor Harmeet launched an all-out assault to bring their team as near as possible. He was a raptor, swinging his bat freely and precisely finding holes while South Africa bowlers, who had all but guaranteed an easy victory, were scrambling for safety.
Even though the asking rate was only about 15 runs per over, the left-handed Harmeet followed up with a few powerful knocks, particularly against Tabraiz Shamsi in the latter stages of the match, which kept the USA in the hunt.
Proteas’ victory was secured by Kagiso Rabada’s (4-0-18-3) outstanding performance, which ended their unyielding alliance when he gave up only two runs in the last over.
The USA’s resistance also reduced South Africa winning margin, which would have been much greater had the two not combined 91 runs for the sixth wicket.
Earlier, South Africa’s top order eventually delivered with a strong performance to propel them to 194 for four in the first half. Quinton de Kock had earlier led the assault with a 40-ball 74.
De Kock defied the odds to put the USA bowlers to shame and get his maiden fifty in the competition on a field that was predicted to be sluggish and spin-friendly. South Africa scored 194 for four in 20 overs.
After the frontline batsmen collapsed as a unit during the group stage, South Africa’s problems with the top order were also eliminated by De Kock’s spectacular display at the top and skipper Aiden Markram’s fluid 46.
Tristan Stubbs (20 not out) and Heinrich Klaasen (36 not out) scored 53 runs uncontested for the fifth wicket in just five overs towards the conclusion of the innings.
After a timid start in which Reeza Hendricks (11) became Saurabh Netravalkar’s (2/21) latest victim in the powerplay, scoring 110 runs from just 60 balls for the second wicket with Markram, De Kock spearheaded South Africa’s rally.
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