South Africa (194/4) humbled USA (176/6) by 18 runs in their first Super 8 match to put crucial 2 points on the table at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. USA invited South Africa to bat first and Proteas welcomed their decision with both hands they muscled 194 runs thanks to Quinton de Kock’s (74/40) knock. In chase, Andries Gous (80/47) tried hard but could only drag USA to 176 runs.
Aaron Jones won the toss and looked to make the most of the fresh wicket. Reeza Hendricks (11/11) fell into trap but Aiden Markram (46/32) and De Kock stitched a partnership of 110 runs. Heinrich Klaasen (36/22) and Tristan Stubbs (20/16) provided the final touch to take South Africa to 194 runs.
USA made a good start but wickets kept falling from the other end. The middle overs collapse triggered by Kagiso Rabada (3/18) derailed USA’s chase. As USA looked down and out Andries Jones gave a tough fight but couldn’t take his side home as they fell short by 18 runs. 
South Africa have maintained their perfect record of this T20 World Cup but this win will be more satisfying than anything else for them. Their batters have finally fired, which is a big danger sign for others. USA on the other hand would’ve hoped for a better bowling show from their side. They came close to chase but everyone needs to contribute collectively.
Here are the five moments which defined this game.
De Kock’s rejuvenation over
Quinton de Kock has looked a shadow of himself lately but against the USA, he looked in his old lethal touch. The South African leftie found his rhythm from the first ball and took USA’s bowlers under his radar. Although South Africa lost Reeza Hendricks early on, De Kock’s onslaught against Jasdeep Singh (0/36) in 4th over changed the direction for South Africa. South Africa accumulated 28 runs from that over and not only it charged the South Africa’s innings but recharged De Kock’s form tank.
De Kock’s middle surge
Quinton de Kock was in full form against USA but spinners posed a big threat in middle overs with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock on crease. Bowlers slowed down innings but De Kock’s hit sixth gear against Corey Anderson (0/17) in the 12th over. He hit two fours and a six to accumulate 17 runs and bring back South Africa on the driver’s shift.
South Africa’s perfect finish
South Africa were dealt with blows after De Kock and Markram got out which slowed down pace. At one stage, they looked all set for 200 runs but consistent wickets made the project score lower down to 180 runs. However, Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen combined well to give best finish to South Africa. Both nailed 15 runs to take the score past 190 runs.
Keshav Mahraj’s spell
USA were off to a good start in the chase with 51 runs from 5 overs. South Africa needed big effort in middle overs Keshav Maharaj (1/24) was on service for Markram. The slow left spinner took the crucial wicket of Aaron Jones (0/5) in his first over to derail USA’s train in middle overs. Maharaj built it on from first over and bowled an economical spell. He ended the spell with conceding 24 runs and one wicket.
Kagiso Rabada’s clutch over
USA were very well in the hunt for 195 runs chase after 18 overs with 28 runs needed from the last two overs and had two set batters on crease. They were surprisingly in the driving seat in the 18th over as they smacked Tabraiz Shamsi for 22 runs. Rabada rose in that crunch situation and took the all important wicket of Harmeet Singh (38/22) to give a big boost to South Africa. The fiery fast bowler only conceded 2 runs in that over to leave 26 runs for the last over which turned out to be more than enough.
South Africa have taken their first steps towards semis and will look to carry the same momentum for coming games. Their batting is starting to find feet which makes them a real contender for the T20 World Cup this time. Their next game is against England on June 21 at Darren Sammy Stadium. Parimatch odds for that clash are 2.01x rate on South Africa. USA were really impressive and clearly showcased, they have a team to compete with top nations on any pitch. Their next game is on June 21 only, against West Indies at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Parimatch odds for that clash are at 3.96x on USA.
