T20 World Cup 2024: Target-setters vs chasers in Antigua, who has the upper hand in South Africa vs United States Super 8 clash?
Unbeaten in the group stage, South Africa will take on the high-flying United States in the first T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua that has supported the pace bowlers more than the spinners this tournament. On a ground where the average scores linger in the mid 130s, 24 matches were won by batting first while 23 chasing in all T20Is. Considering the pitch hasn’t supported teams batting first or chasing, both sides would vie to play to their strengths on Wednesday.
Antigua in T20 World Cup 2024
| Type of bowling | Pace bowling | Spin bowling |
| Wickets in 2024 T20 World Cup | 26 | 12 |
| Economy in 2024 T20 WC | 7.74 RPO | 8.45 RPO |
| Strike Rate in 2024 T20 WC | 14.1 balls per wicket | 15.5 balls per wicket |
South Africa have been nervy chasers lately, with eight of their last 10 defeats coming with a score in front of them. Aiden Markram’s men were also wobbly chasing small targets against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands in this World Cup.
On the contrary, US has clocked seven of their last 10 wins (including a Super Over win against Pakistan) while chasing down totals. Remember, the USA had shown calmness and composure on the opening night of the tournament against Canada, chasing a massive 195, which essentially kickstarted their fairy-tale run.
| T20 Matches since 2010 in Antigua | Batting first | Batting second |
| Wins | 24 | 23 |
| Average scores | 137 | 134.2 |
| Average | 19.61 runs per wicket | 18.80 runs per wicket |
| Highest score | 211 | 178 |
Andries Gous, who played a substantial hand on that in Dallas, is the reliable one in chases for the USA. His batting average spikes up to 35.40 from 21.50 when he has a score in front of him. Star batter Aaron Jones has also been influential in both wins, scoring an unbeaten 94 against Canada while playing a crucial hand in the finishing stages of the win over Pakistan.
On the bowling front, the likes of Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan can pose a threat to an erratic Proteas top-order. However, the USA may not be a match for the skill levels of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje or even the in-form Ottneil Baartman.
South Africa have been the most economical pace bowling unit of the tournament so far, conceding only 4.72 runs per over while bowling 61.1 overs – the second-most behind Pakistan. Meanwhile, the USA seamers have been appreciable with a 7.50 economy but have only picked up nine wickets across three games, striking once every 30.2 balls as South Africa’s pacers scalp one every 18.2 deliveries.
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