NEW YORK: South Africa emerged victorious against the United States by 18 runs in the opening T20 World Cup Super 8 match in Antigua, with Kagiso Rabada’s experience proving decisive in the final stages of a thrilling game.

After struggling on New York’s sluggish pitches during the group stage, South Africa found their rhythm at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, scoring freely to reach 4-194, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s impressive 74-run innings.

In their reply, US opener Andries Gous shone with an unbeaten 80, supported by Harmeet Singh’s 38 lower down the order.

However, fast bowler Rabada’s crucial 3-18 spell stifled the US run chase, leading to their narrow defeat.

“We’ve faced some challenging wickets leading up to this match, so it’s great to spend some time out in the middle,” said De Kock, who was named player of the match.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, the US managed an early breakthrough by dismissing Reeza Hendricks. Yet, De Kock’s aggressive batting saw South Africa scoring over 10 runs per over during the powerplay.

De Kock reached his half-century in just 26 balls and formed a significant 110-run partnership with captain Aiden Markram, off 60 deliveries.

Harmeet Singh eventually dismissed De Kock with a full toss caught near the boundary and was on a hat-trick after catching and bowling David Miller.

Despite a strong bowling effort from Saurabh Netravalkar (2-21), the rest of the US bowlers struggled to contain South Africa. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 36, alongside Tristan Stubbs’ 20, boosted the score to 4-194.

American opener Steven Taylor showcased his intent with a boundary off the first ball, but his promising start ended when Rabada claimed his wicket. Rabada also dismissed Nitish Kumar and US captain Aaron Jones, who fell for a duck to spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Gous remained resilient, reaching his half-century with consecutive sixes, yet the rising required run rate posed a challenge.

Despite a costly 18th over from Shamsi, where he conceded 22 runs, Rabada’s return saw him dismiss Harmeet and concede just two runs in the penultimate over.

“It’s tough to accept the loss after coming so close. We needed more disciplined bowling,” Jones reflected. “It could have been a closer game, and we might have crossed the line.”

(Inputs from Agencies)