South Africa beat England by 7 runs (AP Photo)
South Africa skipper Aiden Markram applauded his bowlers for sealing a thrilling seven-run victory against England, saying they did not wilt under pressure.
South Africa on Friday pulled off a thrilling win over defending champions England to remain unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8. England needed just 25 runs in the last three overs with six wickets in hand but South Africa’s tight bowling left them stranded at 156/6 in their chase of 164.
South Africa skipper Aiden Markram applauded his bowlers for sealing a thrilling seven-run victory against England, saying they did not wilt under pressure.
“Last three overs we had a lot against us but the bowlers had good plans and pulled it off. If I am greedy, we were 10-20 short, especially after the start we got. Not quite played a complete game of cricket but we are on the right track,” said Markram at the post-match presentation.
“He singled out de Kock for special praise, who dished out a second good performance in the Super Eight stage and helped South Africa win their sixth game on the bounce in the World Cup.
“Quinny (de Kock) has been good for us in the last two games. It was a bit nerve-wracking in those (last three) overs but it can happen. The plans were there just the execution wasn’t. I’m grateful that catch (of Harry Brook) stuck,” he added.
Meanwhile, England skipper Jos Buttler also praised De Kock for his enterprising batting.
“Quinton came in with a lot of intent and we couldn’t quite match that. We pulled it back and were happy to chase that target, but his innings was the difference. We came back well with the ball,” Buttler said.
“(Harry) Brook and (Liam) Livingstone had a fantastic partnership to get us close and even look like favourites but credit to South Africa for closing out the game,” he added. he said.
Quinton de Kock adjudged Player of the Match
De Kock, who picked up his second ‘Player of the Match’ in Super Eight, said he just tried to carry on from where he had left off against the USA in the previous game. He scored 74 off 40 deliveries in the opening Super Eight game.
“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,” De Kock said.
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