South Africa began the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup with a hard-fought 18-run victory over the USA on Wednesday (June 19). Chasing a challenging target of 195, the USA put up a valiant effort but fell short, finishing at 176/6 in their 20 overs.
USA’s chase was anchored by Andries Gous, who scored an unbeaten 80 off 47 balls. Despite his impressive knock, the American side struggled to keep up with the required run rate, especially after a brilliant 19th over by Kagiso Rabada, who conceded just two runs and took a crucial wicket. This tight over followed a dramatic 18th over where the USA managed to score 22 runs, briefly threatening an upset.
The USA’s innings started poorly as they lost two wickets within the powerplay but managed to score 53 runs at nearly nine runs per over. However, the Protea bowlers fought back, restricting the USA to 76 runs while claiming three more wickets by the halfway mark of the innings. Gous then found support from Harmeet Singh, who scored a quick 38 off 22 balls. Their partnership of 91 runs in just seven overs gave USA hope, but the South African bowlers held their nerve to secure the win.
Earlier in the day, the USA won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa lost their first wicket early, with Rezza Hendricks falling for just 16 runs. Quinton de Kock (74 off 40) and Aiden Markram (50) then steadied the innings with a 110-run partnership for the second wicket. Harmeet Singh struck in the 13th over, removing both de Kock and David Miller (0) off consecutive deliveries. Saurabh Netravalkar further dented South Africa’s progress, taking 2/21 in his four overs.
Despite these setbacks, Heinrich Klaasen (36 not out off 22) and Tristan Stubbs (20 not out off 16) added 53 runs in the final five overs, helping South Africa reach an imposing total of 194/4.
Looking ahead, the USA will face the West Indies on June 22, while South Africa’s next challenge will be against the defending champions, England, on June 21.
