The United States of America (USA) suffered a tough welcome into the big leagues as South Africa thrashed their bowlers in the first Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. On Wednesday, June 19, the co-hosts allowed 125 runs in the first 12 overs and took only one wicket in Antigua.
United States of America stand-in captain Aaron Jones won the toss and chose to bowl first. They had a solid start, putting pressure on Reeza Hendricks with the new ball and dismissing him in the third over with only 16 runs on the board.
However, the momentum swung drastically when Quinton de Kock faced Jasdeep Singh in the fourth over of the innings. The pacer conceded 28 runs from the over, giving the Proteas the boost they needed.
Quinton de Kock’s quickfire fifty, combined with Aiden Markram’s support at the other end, powered South Africa to a three-figure total halfway through the innings.
Fans were displeased with the USA’s irregular bowling, which included full tosses and extras in such an important game.
Check out some of the reactions here:
“USA looking nervous, bad line & length bowling, full tosses,” one fan wrote.
“This is dumb bowling by the USA,” another fan remarked.
“Who let usa get this far?” one tweet read.
USA comeback strongly with wickets to reduce South Africa to 141/4 after 15 overs
Quinton de Kock had an ominous look on his face and was approaching a ton. However, he was unable to clear the boundary off a Harmeet Singh full toss in the 13th over and was forced to leave after reaching 74 runs off 40 deliveries. The left-arm spinner hit again with the next ball, forcing David Miller to walk back for a golden duck.
Aiden Markram also fell to Saurabh Netravalkar’s bowling, bringing two fresh batsmen to the crease. The Proteas were forced to settle for a lull in scoring, with Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs charged with pushing the score as far as possible in the death overs.