T20 World Cup 2024, Super Eight: Brook C Markram B Nortje seals the win for South Africa against England - Cricket Winner

In a thrilling encounter that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats, South Africa emerged victorious by 7 runs against England, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This match, held in St Lucia, was a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, with both teams displaying incredible skill and determination.

South Africa’s Innings

South Africa’s innings was anchored by a forceful half-century from Quinton de Kock, who scored 65 runs to provide a solid foundation. David Miller contributed significantly with a late surge, scoring 43 runs to propel South Africa to a total of 163 for six. England’s bowlers, particularly Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer, put in commendable performances to restrict the Proteas.

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England’s Chase

England’s chase began on a positive note with Phil Salt providing a quick start. However, the middle-order collapse left England reeling at 61 for 4. Harry Brook then played a sensational innings, bringing England back into the game with calculated risks and precise hitting.

Harry Brook’s sensational innings

Harry Brook was a standout performer for England, playing a crucial role in their chase. His ability to take calculated risks and target specific bowlers kept England in the hunt until the very end. Harry Brook c Markram b Nortje 53(37) [4s-7].

Sam Curran also played a vital role, hitting crucial boundaries and running between the wickets effectively. His contribution was significant, although it ultimately fell short.

South African bowlers’ crucial overs

South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje, executed their plans brilliantly. Nortje’s final over was particularly impressive, as he managed to pick up Brook’s wicket and apply pressure.

Rabada and Jansen came back for a great 18th and 19th over where they conceded only 11 off the two overs to leave Nortje 13 to defend off the final over. Luckily Brook mishit first ball and Markram took a great catch and Nortje managed to close the game out for his side.

Final overs drama

The match had several turning points, including Brook’s unfortunate dismissal when he seemed set to take England home. Another critical moment was Nortje’s excellent final over, which sealed the victory for South Africa.

The final over bowled by Anrich Nortje was a masterclass in T20 bowling under pressure. Picking up the crucial wicket of Harry Brook on the first ball, Nortje’s precise yorkers and strategic deliveries ensured that England could not find the boundaries they needed.

Player of the Match

Quinton de Kock was awarded the Player of the Match for his impactful half-century that laid a solid foundation for South Africa’s total. His innings was pivotal in setting up a competitive score.

Quinton de Kock | Player of the Match: It (the pitch) definitely doesn’t play the same as night games. It’s completely a different surface compared to the night games. There was a little bit of extra bounce early on. I try to carry on confidence game by game. We bowled really well in the powerplay, and we controlled it very nicely. To be able to defend 160 on a decent wicket is a good effort from us.

Keshav Maharaj spells in T20 WC 2024
2/22(4) vs SL
0/24(4) vs Net
3/27(4) vs Ban
1/24(4) vs USA
2/25(4) vs Eng

– Sixth win on the bounce for South Africa in T20 WC 2004 – the longest for them in the competition surpassing five successive wins in the 2009 edition.

Most consecutive innings with at least one wicket in T20 WCs
16 Anrich Nortje (2021-24*)
15 Graeme Swann (2009-12)
15 Adam Zampa (2021-24*)
11 Ish Sodhi (2016-21)