The amazing half century by Quinton de Kock and a partnership of 110 runs with captain Aiden Markram guided South Africa to a victory of 18 runs over the USA in their opening T20 World Cup Super Eight (Group 2) match here on Wednesday.
De Kock smashed 74 runs in 40 balls, whereas Markram hit 46 runs in 32 balls as the Proteas scored 194 for 4 in 20 overs. After this, they restricted the USA batters to 176/6, with pacer Kagiso Rabada (3/18) doing the maximum damage.
The opener of the USA Andries Gous gave some jitters to Proteas with his audacious strokeplay, but his unbeaten 80 runs off 47 balls went in vain. He was ably supported by Harmeet Singh, who contributed 38 runs.
For the USA, which chose to field, left-arm fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar and spinner Harmeet Singh took two wickets each.
Brief scores:
South Africa: 194 for 4 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 74, Aiden Markram 46, Heinrich Klaasen 36 not out, Tristan Stubbs 20 not out; Saurabh Netravalkar 2/21, Harmeet Singh 2/24).
USA: 176 for 6 in 20 overs (Steven Taylor 24, Andries Gous 80 not out, Harmeet Singh 38; Kagiso Rabada 3/18).