South Africa's superstar batter Quinton de Kock continued his impressive batting form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, this time in the Super 8 clash against England on June 21. The high-stakes Super 8s clash is currently underway at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.
De Kock's knock put South Africa in a commanding position. He played some fantastic shots, putting pressure on the England bowlers at the stadium. However, just as he was starting to find his rhythm, a potential dismissal in the 9th over was overturned, giving him a lifeline. The incident occurred on the second ball of the 9th over when Adil Rashid delivered a tossed-up delivery outside leg stump. De Kock attempted a sweep shot, but it went high in the air, seemingly an easy catch for the fielder.
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Mark Wood advanced a few steps which proved to be a mistake. He managed to catch the ball, but it touched the ground according to the third umpire's review. The England fast bowler disagreed, asserting that his fingers were underneath the ball, and subsequently discussed this with the umpires. Both Wood and captain Jos Buttler were seen having animated chat with the umpire. Umpire Sharfuddoula responded that the final call wasn't his to make as the replays clearly indicated the ball had made contact with the ground, resulting in Quinton de Kock being given a reprieve.
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Quinton de Kock's impressive innings finally came to an end after scoring 65 runs from 38 balls. It was Jos Buttler who took a fantastic catch to dismiss him. South Africa were 92/2 at the end of 11.5 overs after De Kock's dismissal. David Miller then steadied South Africa's boat and scored 43 off 28 balls to help them post a competitive total of 163/6. Later, South Africa ended up beating England by seven runs.
Earlier, Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to bowl first. After winning the toss Buttler said:
“We're going to bowl first today. Fresh wicket, looks a good pitch. Maybe a little bit of moisture early on. Chased well the other day, so will back that formula again. Going with the same team. Obviously want to look after him as well as we can (Jofra). He's in a good place.”
Meanwhile, South Africa skipper Markram, after the toss, said:
“Would've also bowled first, just on the basis it's an early start and there's a bit of moisture. Most of the games moving forward we have to start well. Hopefully the boys are nice and fresh for today's challenge. Top-order needed it, spent some time out there. Reminder of how to score runs in this part of the world.”
South Africa's Playing XI
Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman
England's Playing XI
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w/c), Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley
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