USA Cricketer Andries Gous | Source: X.com
USA suffered a narrow 18 runs defeat against South Africa in the opening match of the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Wednesday, June 20.
Opting to field first, the USA bowlers failed to contain the flying Quinton de Kock who smashed 74 runs off just 40 balls.
Later, quick knocks from Aiden Markram (46) and Heinrich Klaasen (36) took South Africa to a daunting total of 194 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing a humongous target, the USA got off to a promising start with openers Steven Taylor and Andries Gous taking the bowling attack by storm. Gous played a valiant knock, scoring an unbeaten 80 runs off 47 deliveries.
His 91-run partnership with Harmeet Singh for the sixth wicket was the second-highest in T20 World Cup history for a lower order stand.
However, South Africa’s bowling attack tightened their grip in the middle overs, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi picking up crucial wickets.
Kagiso Rabada’s spell in the death overs proved decisive as he dismissed Jasdeep Singh at a critical juncture, leaving the USA needing 28 runs from the last 12 deliveries.
However, despite Gous’ heroics, the USA eventually fell short, managing only 176 runs for 6 wickets. Rabada and Anrich Nortje ensured South Africa secured their first win in the Super 8 stage.
