• South Africa defeated England in a thrilling match at T20 World Cup 2024.

  • Quinton de Kock was named Player of the Match for his superb batting exhibition.

AB de Villiers & others react as Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj power South Africa to a crucial win over England in T20 World Cup 2024
Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj shine in South Africa's win (Image Source: Twitter)

In an exhilarating clash at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia, South Africa edged out England by a narrow margin of 7 runs in the 45th match of the Super 8 Group 2 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. After electing to bowl first, England found themselves chasing a target of 164 set by South Africa. Despite a spirited effort, England fell just short, ending their innings at 156/6.

Quinton de Kock destroys England bowling

South Africa posted a competitive total of 163/6 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a stellar performance by Quinton de Kock. The star opener, who was named Player of the Match, smashed 65 runs off 38 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes, providing a solid foundation for the Proteas. He was well-supported by David Miller, who scored a crucial 43 off 28 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes. Other contributions came from Reeza Hendricks (19 off 25) and Tristan Stubbs (12 off 11). England’s bowling attack was led by Jofra Archer, who claimed 3 wickets for 40 runs, while Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali chipped in with a wicket each.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Quinton de Kock slams joint fastest fifty of T20 World Cup 2024 in ENG vs SA game

Keshav Maharaj shows exceptional bowling skills

Chasing 164, England’s innings lacked the momentum needed to overhaul South Africa’s total. Despite a valiant 52 off 37 balls from Harry Brook, who hit 7 boundaries, and a quickfire 33 off 17 from Liam Livingstone, England couldn’t cross the finish line. The South African bowlers maintained discipline, with Keshav Maharaj (2/25) and Kagiso Rabada (2/32) leading the attack. Ottniel Baartman and Anrich Nortje each contributed a wicket, keeping the pressure on England’s batsmen throughout the innings.

Key moments

England’s decision to bowl first seemed to backfire as De Kock and Miller took control of the match with their aggressive batting. England’s bowlers, especially Archer, provided crucial breakthroughs but couldn’t stop South Africa from setting a challenging target. In response, England’s top order struggled to build significant partnerships, and despite a late surge from Livingstone and Brook, the required run rate proved too steep.

Also WATCH: Jos Buttler takes a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Quinton de Kock in ENG vs SA game | T20 World Cup 2024

Here is how fans reacted

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