* Proteas’ batters De Kock and Miller guide South Africa to a defendable score – Super 8 (Match 45)
By Dwayne Ferreira
South Africa continued their unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup 2024, securing a nail-biting victory against defending champions England in Saint Lucia. Anrich Nortje’s composed final over, where he defended 13 runs, was the highlight of a tense finish that saw South Africa inch closer to the semi-finals.
Despite scoring 63 in the powerplay, South Africa managed only 100 runs in the subsequent 14 overs, setting a target of 163 for England. The slower-than-expected pitch and their decision to play only one specialist spinner seemed to put them at a disadvantage. However, South Africa’s bowlers held their nerve, especially in the final overs, to seal a 7-run win.
Adam Zampa disrupted Bangladesh’s momentum in the middle overs, removing key players Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Zampa finished with figures of 2 for 24, playing a crucial role in restricting Bangladesh to 140 for 8.
Pat Cummins then delivered a spectacular hat-trick in the final over, outwitting Towhid Hridoy with a slower ball. His efforts ensured Bangladesh could only add 23 runs in the last three overs, putting Australia in a strong position.
Australia’s openers, David Warner and Travis Head, laid a solid foundation by scoring 65 runs in the first 6.5 overs. Warner’s unbeaten 53 was pivotal in maintaining Australia’s lead despite losing a couple of wickets to Bangladesh’s spinners.
Quinton de Kock and David Miller were instrumental in South Africa’s batting effort. De Kock scored a quick 65, including a fifty off 22 balls, and Miller added a crucial 43. Their contributions helped South Africa reach a competitive total.
England began their chase well, with a 58-run second-wicket partnership between Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Rabada and Jansen, applied pressure in the final overs. Rabada’s key dismissal of Liam Livingstone and Jansen’s economical penultimate over set the stage for Nortje’s heroics.
Harry Brook’s impressive 53 kept England in the hunt, but his dismissal to Nortje’s first ball of the final over marked the turning point. South Africa’s disciplined bowling in the death overs ensured they maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.
England’s Jos Buttler showcased exceptional fielding skills, taking a one-handed catch to dismiss de Kock and running out Heinrich Klaasen with a direct hit. Despite these efforts, England fell short in their chase.
England’s spinners, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, were effective, taking 2 for 45 in seven overs. Reece Topley also impressed with an economical spell, conceding only 23 runs in his four overs. Although England lost narrowly, their positive net run rate and a match against the USA still give them a chance to reach the semi-finals.
South Africa’s ability to clinch close games is becoming a hallmark of their campaign, suggesting that their time in this T20 World Cup may indeed have come.
Chief Scores
South Africa 163 for 6 in 20 overs (Qunton de Kock 65, David Miller 43, Jofra Archer 3-40)
England 156 for 6 in 20 overs (Harry Brook 53, Keshav Maharaj 2-25, Kagiso Rabada 2-32) by 7 runs
Player of the Match – Quinton De Kock
