Quinton de Kock says having the knowledge of playing in the Caribbean helped him inspire South Africa to a seven-run win over defending champions England in the T20 World Cup.
South Africa star Quinton de Kock said knowledge of Caribbean conditions helped him propel the Proteas to a competitive total as they edged defending champions England by seven runs in a dramatic Super Eights clash to remain unbeaten at the T20 World Cup.
South Africa’s relatively modest 163-6 victory after losing the toss in a daytime encounter in St. Lucia on Friday was built on the opener’s normally fast 65.
England was reduced to 61-4 after fine bowling and fielding, but a 78-run stand between Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) brought the championship holders within striking distance.
However, Anrich Nortje denied England the 14 runs they needed off the final over as they concluded on 156-6, and the Proteas moved closer to the semi-finals with their second win in two Super Eights games.
Afterwards, England captain Jos Buttler stated that the powerplay was important, with South Africa scoring 63-0 off the first six overs compared to their opponents’ 41-1.
“Obviously, it makes a massive impact,” said De Kock, 31.
“I’ve played a lot of day T20s in the West Indies (in the Caribbean Premier League) and generally that is the most important time to score runs,” explained the left-hander, whose 38-ball innings featured four fours and four sixes.
“The wicket looks beautiful at night, plays much differently, but 160-170 are winning scores here in the day.”
Buttler, reflecting on the match, said: “I’d say it was lost in the powerplay…The way Quinny played at the top really put us under a lot of pressure, he played some great shots and we were unable to do that.”
Brook nearly turned the game in England’s favour before falling off the first ball of the final over when South Africa captain Aiden Markram made a spectacular running catch over his shoulder.
“It was a great catch and that’s what South Africa have prided themselves on over a long period of time,” said Buttler.
“They’ve always had great fielders, you think of Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers. They’ve always been a great fielding team.”
England, on the other hand, is in semi-final contention as they prepare for their next match against the United States in Barbados this Sunday.
“We’re still in it and we’re looking ahead to the next one,” said Buttler.
On the same day, South Africa plays their final Super Eights match against the West Indies in Antigua.
Photo by T20 World Cup
