"The Lone Warrior for USA in the run chase" - Fans hail Andreis Gous for magnificent 80(47) vs South Africa in 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight clash
USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous played a brilliant knock in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight opener against South Africa in Antigua on June 19. After keeping for 20 overs and watching the Proteas smash 194/4, Gous was right back out there to open the batting.
The 30-year-old played a lone hand, scoring 80* off 47 deliveries to help the USA reach 176/6 in their 20 overs. Despite the side reeling at 76/5 in the 12th over, Gous never game in and smashed boundaries at will to reduce the equation to 28 needed off 12.
The USA ultimately fell short by 18 runs but the South African-born batter provided the Proteas with a scare and carried his bat through the innings. With this knock that included five boundaries and as many maximums, Gous became the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 182 runs at an average of over 60 and a strike rate of 146.77 in four games.
Fans on Twitter hailed Andries Gous' valiant effort with the following reactions:
Fans continued their praise for Gous with one saying:
"Hard luck USA. And incredible batting from Gous."
"Andries Gous stands tall for his team USA against South Africa. The Lone Warrior for USA in the run chase," said a fan.
"Gous remains not out 80 runs off 47 balls, he tried his best but it was not enough. He is also the leading run-scorer of this World Cup now, what a talent," a fan tweeted.
Andries Gous was the star in USA's group-stage wins
Andries Gous starred in the USA's two wins in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage that helped them qualify for the Super Eights.
The 30-year-old scored a sparkling 65 off 46 deliveries in the tournament opener against Canada to propel the USA to an eight-wicket win. He followed that with a crucial 26-ball 35 in their stunning upset victory over Pakistan that effectively sealed their Super Eight berth.
Despite missing out against India, Gous has been the rock that the USA batting has revolved around in the World Cup. He also boasts an excellent overall T20I record, averaging over 38 at a strike rate of 149.13 in 10 outings.
Meanwhile, the defeat against South Africa leaves the USA with a virtual must-win in their next Super Eight encounter against West Indies on Friday, June 21.