South Africa survive shock as USA fall just short
(PA Media) South Africa were almost on the end of a shock result in the T20 World Cup as the United States fell short in a brave run chase.
South Africa posted 194 for four from their 20 overs in the Super Eights stage and the US, making their debut in the competition, were agonisingly short as Aidan Markram’s side held on for an 18-run victory. Quinton de Kock did the damage with the bat for South Africa, hitting five sixes and seven fours in a 40-ball 74.
Markram provided support with 46 off 32 deliveries while some late-innings hitting from Heinrich Klaasen, who smacked three sixes in his 36, and Tristan Stubbs set an imposing target.
Opener Andries Gous was the lynchpin of the US innings, blasting an unbeaten 80 from 47 balls. He hit five fours and five sixes as he threatened to take his country to a famous victory.
However, he did not receive much support around him until Harmeet Singh smashed 38 off 22 balls, including three sixes. But when Singh was caught off Kagiso Rabada with 11 balls remaining their hopes were over as South Africa defended their target.
The win put South Africa top of Group 2 in the Super Eights, with England and West Indies kicking off their second-round stage on Thursday.
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Righto, that’s me done for today. Well played South Africa and well fought USA. The Super Eights are up and running. We’ll be back in the wee small hours to bring you West Indies v England. Thanks for your company, goodnight!
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