South Africa defeated USA by 18 runs as the super eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup got underway.
The Americans won the toss and put the Proteas into bat first, with the surface in Antigua proving to be a good one for the hitters.
Quinton de Kock played a stellar innings at the top, smashing a vital 74 off 40 balls to guide South Africa to 194/4 in their 20 overs.
The co-hosts may be done playing in their country, but USA proved themselves with the bat once again to reach 176/6 in the run chase.
The target may have been even closer if not for a phenomenal Kagiso Rabada spell, particularly at the back-end.
The paceman took 3/19 in his four, which turned out to be match-winning figures in the circumstances.
Andries Gous got 80 off 47 balls while Harmeet Singh scored 38 off 22 lower down the order.
The close encounter means that their run rate has not been poorly affected; and with West Indies and England as their remaining fixtures, USA will still back themselves to get points on the board with semi-final places up for grabs.
England will next face the West Indies on Thursday before taking on the Proteas on Friday.
Pictured above: Proteas victorious!
Image source: @proteasmencsa
