Whilst many in America and elsewhere had their fingers crossed for another major upset by the rising United States team, it was not to be. A stronger South African side convincingly overpowered the Americans. Having posted a formidable score of 194 for 4 in their 20 overs, the chase proved to be too much of a challenge for the Americans.
The US side, credit to them, did not fold under pressure in chasing a big score. And made a fight of it, thanks to some spirited performances. But it was a bridge too far, and the South Africans got their first win of the Super 8 stage, putting themselves in a solid position with two remaining games in hand. The United States will have to up their game if they are to remain competitive at this stage of the competition.
Quinton de Kock and Markram Lead the Way for South Africa
There were some questions on Quinton de Kock’s form coming into this game. Whilst the player from Johannesburg had gotten a few starts, he had not been able to convert them into decent scores. That changed this time around as the left-hander stroked a rapid-fire 74 off 40 balls inclusive of five sixes. With a solid platform in place, South Africa then managed to build on it to post a competitive score.
Batting-wise, the only blip in the innings came in the form of David Miller being dismissed for a golden duck. Other than that virtually every batsman in the Proteas side did their job. With Heinrich Klaasen in his usual self, blasting 36 off 22 with three sixes. So with a score of 194 to chase, it was up to the Americans to prove the critics wrong again.
United States Fight Hard Before Faltering
It was going to be a challenge for the American side going up against one of the stronger bowling attacks in the tournament. But credit to them the openers came out fighting. With Steven Taylor and Andries Gous putting on a decent opening stand of 33. Gous played a remarkable innings. The South African-born player, playing against the country of his birth scored a remarkable 80 off 47.
The trouble was that he got little to no support at the other end. Tight bowling by Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, who was the pick of the bowlers picking up 3 for 18 in his four overs ensured that the Americans didn’t run away with the game. However, this did not mean the co-hosts didn’t put up a fight. They did. But it wasn’t enough.
Super 8 Stage – Big Teams Getting in the Wins
So we are now two games down in the Super 8 stage of the ICC World T20. And the outcomes have been somewhat expected. England overwhelming the West Indies was on the cards despite their recent low form. And now the South Africans have put away the United States who looked ever-threatening and no doubt will continue to be a challenge for bigger teams.
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. His interests include a wide array of topics from news media, film, science fiction, and politics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. A key focus of his writings is the intersection between science, religion and society. He also writes and edits books and in his free time, he makes YouTube videos on topics like religion, theology, and current events. You can find his work here.
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