"Just Imagine what England and Windies will do" - Fans react as USA struggle with the ball against SA in 2024 T20 World Cup
The United States of America (USA) received a harsh welcome into the big leagues as South Africa punished their bowlers in the opening clash of the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The co-hosts conceded 125 runs in the first 12 overs while picking up only one wicket in Antigua on Wednesday, June 19.
USA stand-in skipper Aaron Jones won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made a strong start, putting pressure on Reeza Hendricks with the new ball and dismissing him in the third over with only 16 runs on the board.
However, the momentum completely shifted as Quinton de Kock took on Jasdeep Singh in the fourth over of the innings. The pacer conceded 28 runs from the over, and it was the push the Proteas needed.
Quinton de Kock's quickfire fifty along with Aiden Markram's support at the other end propelled South Africa to the three-figure mark at the halfway stage of the innings.
Fans were far from pleased with the USA's erratic bowling rife with full tosses and extras in such a crucial fixture.
Have a look at some of the reactions right here:
"USA looking nervous, bad line & length bowling, full tosses," one fan wrote.
"This is dumb bowling by the USA," another fan remarked.
"Who let usa get this far?" one tweet read.
USA comeback strongly with wickets to reduce South Africa to 141/4 after 15 overs
Quinton de Kock was looking in ominous touch and was inching towards a ton. However, he failed to clear the boundary off a Harmeet Singh full toss in the 13th over, and had to depart after scoring 74 runs off 40 deliveries. The left-arm spinner struck off the next delivery as well, and David Miller had to walk back for a golden duck.
Aiden Markram also perished off Saurabh Netravalkar's bowling to bring two new batters to the crease. The Proteas had to settle for a lull in the scoring, with Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs tasked to push the total as much as possible in the death overs.