Despite a valiant effort by Andries Gous, who scored 80 from 47 deliveries—his highest score in a USA shirt—South Africa triumphed over the United States by 18 runs in the first match of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup Super 8s.
Gous led the charge for the USA following the early aggression of fellow opener Steven Taylor. Taylor kept the required rate within reach, scoring 24 from 24 deliveries, with 22 of those runs coming from boundaries. However, the USA needed nearly 10 runs an over, and despite their efforts, they were regularly checked by a high-quality South African bowling unit.
Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 3 for 18 from his four overs. His crucial 19th over, in which he dismissed Harmeet Singh—who had shared a 91-run partnership with Gous—went for just two runs, leaving the USA with too steep a climb in the final over. Other wickets were claimed by Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi, each taking one apiece.
South Africa started their innings with explosive intent. Quinton de Kock took a particular liking to the USA bowlers, reaching his half-century in just 26 balls. His assault included three consecutive sixes off Jasdeep Singh in an over that went for 28 runs. De Kock eventually fell for 74 from 40 balls, trying to hit a Harmeet full toss over cow corner but getting caught on the boundary.
Aiden Markram continued the aggressive approach after David Miller was dismissed on his first ball, chipping it back to Singh. Markram made a solid 46 from 32 before falling to a clever wide delivery from Saurabh Netravalkar, which was well caught by Ali Khan. Netravalkar was the standout bowler for the USA, conceding only 21 runs in his four overs and picking up the key wickets of Markram and Reeza Hendricks.
In the latter stages of the innings, Heinrich Klaasen blasted three sixes in a quickfire 36 not out from 22 balls. Tristan Stubbs supported him with a measured 20 not out from 16 balls. South Africa finished their innings at 194, which proved to be just enough despite the fireworks from Gous.
South Africa's total of 194 was ultimately defended thanks to disciplined bowling and key wickets at critical moments. Despite the USA's spirited chase, they fell short by 18 runs, with Gous' impressive innings being the highlight for the Americans. South Africa's blend of aggressive batting and tight bowling has set the tone for their Super 8s campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup.