Proteas Edge Out USA Challenge, England Overpowers West Indies
Source- Mykhel
The Super 8 round of the WT20 2024 started on Wednesday, with co-hosts the USA taking on the Proteas in Antigua. On paper, South Africa looked mighty solid, with all their top players available in the lineup. On the other hand, no team would want to take the USA lightly after their strong performance in the initial stage, where they defeated Pakistan to qualify for the Super 8s.
After winning the toss, the USA elected to bowl first. Netravalkar struck early, reducing South Africa to 17-1. From there, Quinton de Kock (QDC) took charge and scored a 40-ball 74. Skipper Markram and Klaasen also played crucial knocks of 46 and 36, respectively, helping South Africa reach a total of 194. Netravalkar and Harmeet were impressive with the ball, each taking 2 wickets.
The USA faced a target of 194, the same total they chased against Canada in their first game of the World Cup. They started well and were 51-1 after 5 overs, but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite this, their batters continued to score. A blistering 80-run knock by Andrew Gous and some powerful hitting by Harmeet kept the chase alive. The USA needed 27 runs from the last 12 balls, which seemed achievable. However, Kagiso Rabada bowled a superb penultimate over, conceding just 2 runs and effectively sealing the game for South Africa. The Proteas won by 18 runs, securing their first win of the Super 8 stage. Once again, the USA showed strong character and played brilliant cricket. Quinton de Kock was named the Player of the Match for his 74-run innings.
In the second game, played in St. Lucia between the West Indies and England, the defending champions showcased their dominance and sent a strong message. After winning the toss, England decided to bowl first. The West Indies managed to score 180 in their 20 overs, with Pooran, Powell, Charles, and Rutherford contributing handy knocks.
Chasing 181, England’s batters started aggressively, scoring 58 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Skipper Buttler was dismissed for 25, and Moeen Ali also got out early, leaving England in need of a partnership. Salt and Bairstow rose to the challenge, chasing down the total in the 18th over with 15 balls to spare. Philip Salt scored an unbeaten 87 off 47 balls, and Bairstow added 48 off 26 balls. They shared a crucial 97-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding their team to victory. Salt’s onslaught included a remarkable 30 runs off the 16th over bowled by Romario Shepherd, which sealed the win.
England, who qualified for the Super 8s with the help of Australia, have certainly reminded everyone that they are the defending champions and should not be underestimated.
In the third game of the Super 8, India will play against Afghanistan in Bridgetown, Barbados.
