T20 World Cup: South Africa clinch 18-run win over spirited U.S.A. in Super Eight clash

Resilient Andries Gous leads USA's fightback, but South Africa secures 18-run victory in T20 World Cup clash.

Resilient Andries Gous led a sensational fightback for USA but South Africa's experienced professionals pulled off an 18-run victory in their Group 2 Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup, in Antigua on Wednesday.

South Africa-born Gous led a stunning fightback for USA with a 47-ball 80 not out studded with five sixes and as many fours to keep his side alive in the contest right until the final over, but the Proteas had the final laugh as they opened their account with two points in kitty.

Chasing 195 even on a batting-friendly deck here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was going to be a monumental task for USA against South Africa’s bowling attack, but the Associate nation showed incredible gumption in finishing with 176 for six in reply.

The South African-born Gous waged a lone battle of sorts for the majority of USA’s reply, putting on an incredible 91-run stand for the sixth wicket with Harmeet Singh (38, 22 balls, 2x4s, 3x6s)m, but South Africa had just too many on the board.

Even though Steven Taylor (24 off 14 balls, 4x4s, 1x6s) set the tone early for the USA at the top, others like Nitish Kumar (8), skipper Aaron Jones (0), Corey Anderson (12) and Shayan Jahangir (3) flopped with the bat which almost shut the doors on their side.

Reduced to 76/5 in the 12th over with another 119 runs to win, USA appeared down and out.

But Gous, who has played U-19s for South Africa, and colts World Cup winner Harmeet went on a carnage of sorts to take their side as close as possible. He swung his bat at will and found gaps with precision as South African bowlers, who had almost set up a comfortable win, were scurrying for cover.