Resilient Andries Gous led a sensational fightback for USA but South Africa’s experienced professionals pulled off an 18-run victory in their Group 2 Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. South Africa-born Gous led a stunning fightback for USA with a 47-ball 80 not out studded with five sixes and as many fours to keep his side alive in the contest right until the final over, but the Proteas had the final laugh as they opened their account with two points in kitty.

Chasing 195 even on a batting-friendly deck here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was going to be a monumental task for USA against South Africa’s bowling attack, but the Associate nation showed incredible gumption in finishing with 176 for six in reply.

The South African-born Gous waged a lone battle of sorts for the majority of USA’s reply, putting on an incredible 91-run stand for the sixth wicket with Harmeet Singh (38, 22 balls, 2x4s, 3x6s)m, but South Africa had just too many on the board.

Even though Steven Taylor (24 off 14 balls, 4x4s, 1x6s) set the tone early for the USA at the top, others like Nitish Kumar (8), skipper Aaron Jones (0), Corey Anderson (12) and Shayan Jahangir (3) flopped with the bat which almost shut the doors on their side.

Reduced to 76/5 in the 12th over with another 119 runs to win, USA appeared down and out.

But Gous, who has played U-19s for South Africa, and colts World Cup winner Harmeet went on a carnage of sorts to take their side as close as possible. He swung his bat at will and found gaps with precision as South African bowlers, who had almost set up a comfortable win, were scurrying for cover.

In tow, the left-handed Harmeet also dealt a few lusty blows, especially against Tabraiz Shamsi towards the end to keep USA in the hunt even if the asking rate hovered around 15 runs per over.

But at the end, it was Kagiso Rabada’s (4-0-18-3) brilliance which ensured Proteas’ win after he broke their stubborn partnership and allowed a mere two runs in the penultimate over.

USA’s resistance also ate into a significant chunk of South Africa’s margin of win which would have been far bigger had the two not added 91 for the sixth wicket.

Earlier, Quinton de Kock led the charge with a 40-ball 74 which set the tone for South Africa, whose top order finally came through with a robust show to power them to 194 for four in the first half.

On a pitch expected to be slow and spin-friendly, De Kock defied odds to put the USA bowlers to sword while bringing up his maiden fifty in the tournament, while South Africa put on 194 for four in 20 overs.

De Kock’s fireworks at the top and skipper Aiden Markram’s fluent 46 also helped South Africa banish their top-order woes after the frontline batters had flopped collectively in the group stage.

Towards the end, Heinrich Klaasen (36 not out) and Tristan Stubbs (20 not out) added 53 runs unbeaten for the fifth wicket in just five overs.

De Kock led South Africa’s charge following a meek start which saw Reeza Hendricks (11) being Saurabh Netravalkar’s (2/21) latest victim in the powerplay, putting on 110 runs from a mere 60 balls for the second wicket with Markram.

USA vs SA, T20 World Cup 2024 Highlights: South Africa started Super 8 with a win.© AFP

USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Live Streaming: USA’s dream run at the 2024 T20 World Cup continues into the Super 8, where they’ll first face South Africa, who won every single game in Group D. However, as the tournament shifts to the West Indies completely, the USA won’t feel home support and home conditions anymore. No South African apart from David Miller is yet to score more than 80 runs in the tournament, but their poor batting will be put to the test against the fire and confidence oozed by Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan at the moment.

When will the USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played on Wednesday, June 19 (IST).

Where will the USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match be played?

The USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua.

What time will the USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match start?

The USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will start at 8:00 PM IST. The toss will take place at 7:30 PM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be telecast in India on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match?

The USA vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 match will be streamed live on Disney Plus Hotstar app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

Super Eight – Match 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, has the USA taking on South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, on June 19 at 08:00 PM IST.

USA vs SA (USA vs South Africa), Super Eight – Match 1 – Match Information

Match: USA vs South Africa, Super Eight – Match 1

Date: June 19, 2024

Time: 08:00 PM IST

Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua

USA vs SA, Super Eight – Match 1, Preview

In the last match played by the USA, they lost to India by seven wickets. The top fantasy player for the USA was Saurabh Netravalkar who scored 60 fantasy points.

In South Africa’s last match, they beat Nepal by one run. The top fantasy player for the Proteas was Tabraiz Shamsi who scored 142 fantasy points.

USA vs SA, Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 69 runs. The pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, is a sporting one with decent assistance for both batters and bowlers on offer.

Pace or Spin?

The venue is suited for both pacers and spinners alike.

Weather Report

The temperature is expected to be around 29 degrees Celsius and humidity is expected to be around 72%. Winds at a speed of 8.02 m/s are expected. Cloud cover is expected, so expect some movement to aid the pace bowlers. Light rain is forecasted which may affect playing conditions.

USA vs SA, Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Steven Taylor (USA)

Steven Taylor is a good-to-have player for your Dream11 Fantasy Team. He has an average of 65 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.2. The left-handed batter has scored 67 runs in his previous five matches.

Marco Jansen (SA)

Marco Jansen is an all-rounder with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last eight games, a fantasy rating of 9.3 and is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. The left-arm pacer has taken three wickets in as many matches for South Africa and will be a key inclusion in your Fantasy Team.

Ottneil Baartman (SA)

Ottneil Baartman is a fast bowler with an average of 42 fantasy points in the last five games, a fantasy rating of 8.4 and can be a good pick for your Dream11 Team. The right-arm pacer has taken eight wickets at an average of 11.6 in the last five matches.

Reeza Hendricks (SA)

Reeza Hendricks is a top-order batter with an average of 42 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.5 and can be a high-risk, high-returns pick for your Dream11 Team. He is a top-order, right-handed batter. Hendricks has smashed 57 runs in his previous five T20 matches.

Tristan Stubbs (SA)

Tristan Stubbs is a middle-order batter with an average of 40 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.7 and is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. Stubbs has scored 130 runs in his previous five matches at an average of 43.3.

Aaron Jones (USA)

Aaron Jones is a top-order batter with an average of 36 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.8 and is a high-risk, high-returns player for your Fantasy Team. The top-order batter has scored 143 runs in the last five matches.

Tabraiz Shamsi (SA)

Tabraiz Shamsi is a differential player for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 36 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 7.2. The left-arm chinaman bowler has taken six wickets in the recent five matches.

Jasdeep Singh (USA)

Jessy Singh is a medium-fast bowler with an average of 30 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.3 and is a safe bet for your Dream11 Fantasy Team. Jasdeep has taken one wicket in the last five games at an average of 85.

USA vs SA, Squads

United States (USA): Monank Patel (captain), Aaron Jones (vc), Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir, Gajanand Singh (travelling reserve), Juanoy Drysdale (travelling reserve) and Yasir Mohammad (travelling reserve).

South Africa (SA): Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Ottniel Baartman, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Nandre Burger (travelling reserve) and Lungi Ngidi (travelling reserve).

USA vs SA, Possible Playing XI

South Africa (SA) Possible Playing XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman and Tabraiz Shamsi.

USA (USA) Possible Playing XI: Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (captain), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Shayan Jahangir, Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan.

USA vs SA, Fantasy Team

Wicket-Keeper: Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel

Batters: Steven Taylor, Aaron Jones and Reeza Hendricks

All-Rounders: Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram

Bowlers: Harmeet Singh, Ottneil Baartman, Jessy Singh and Kagiso Rabada

Captain: Tristan Stubbs

Vice-Captain: Aaron Jones

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, kicks off the Super Eight stage with an exciting clash between the USA and South Africa. The match is set to take place at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on June 19. In their most recent match, the USA suffered a defeat against India, losing by seven wickets. Despite the loss, Saurabh Netravalkar stood out as the top fantasy player for the USA, earning 60 fantasy points with his performance.

South Africa, on the other hand, secured a narrow victory over Nepal, winning by just one run. Tabraiz Shamsi was the star performer for the Proteas, scoring a remarkable 142 fantasy points, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s success.

Players to Watch Out For

Steven Taylor (USA)

Steven Taylor, a top-order left-handed batter for the USA, has shown flashes of brilliance in his recent outings. Taylor has scored 67 runs in his previous five matches. While his form has been inconsistent, his potential to play a match-winning innings cannot be overlooked.

Marco Jansen (SA)

Marco Jansen, the left-arm medium-fast bowler for South Africa, has been a steady performer. Over the last three matches, Jansen has taken three wickets at an average of 26.5. His ability to swing the ball and extract bounce from the pitch makes him a key player in South Africa’s bowling attack.

Ottneil Baartman (SA)

Ottneil Baartman has been impressive with his right-arm medium-fast bowling. In the last five matches, he has claimed eight wickets at an average of 11.6. Baartman’s knack for breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure on the opposition will be crucial for South Africa.

Reeza Hendricks (SA)

Reeza Hendricks, a top-order right-handed batter for South Africa, has had a challenging run of form. In his recent five matches, Hendricks has managed 57 runs, averaging 11.2 runs per match. Despite his struggles, Hendricks’ experience and ability to anchor the innings could prove vital.

Aaron Jones (USA)

Aaron Jones, a top-order right-handed batter for the USA, has been in decent form, scoring 143 runs in his last five matches. His ability to build innings and contribute consistently will be key for the USA’s batting lineup.

Jasdeep Singh (USA)

Jasdeep Singh, a right-arm medium bowler, has had a tough time with the ball recently. In the last five games, he has taken only one wicket at an average of 85. Jessy will be eager to improve his performance and provide crucial breakthroughs for his team.