South Africa’s Quinton de Kock raises his bat as he celebrates his half-century during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight cricket match between England and South Africa at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on June 21, 2024. | Photo credit: AFP
England’s batsmen could not match South African opener Quinton de Kock’s prowess in the powerplay and his innings was the “difference” between the two teams, captain Jos Buttler said after losing by seven runs in the T20 World Cup. Super Eight matches here.
Quinton de Kock smashed a 38-ball 65-run studded with four sixes and as many fours to help South Africa post 163 for six. In reply, England could manage just 156 for six.
“I think the way Quinny played at the top really put us under a lot of pressure and (he) played some good shots and we just couldn’t match it,” Buttler said during the post-match press conference.
“I think that’s the difference in the game.” With de Kock going strong, South Africa made 63 not out in the powerplay.
“The tougher pass on the power play today was from the bottom end which de Kock did and he took a risk and played well, so like I said I think the power play was the difference in the game,” he said. said.
“I think the way Quinny can bat at a level that nobody can beat – but as I said, yes, we battled well with the ball and limited a very strong line-up in terms of what was at par. scores perhaps.” England could not push the pace in pwerplay, lost Phil Salt (11) in the second. None of the top batsmen – Jonny Bairstow (16), Buttler (17) and Moeen Ali (9) – could use the start.
It was a spirited fightback from Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) that gave England hope, but the South African bowlers executed their plan perfectly as the defending champions failed to make 25 runs in the last three innings despite having six wickets. . arm.
“The wicket was probably a bit slower than everyone expected. So, yes, 160 was about a par score. I thought we played well behind 10-15 to limit it.
“Brook and Livingston have a very good partnership, as I said on the slow wicket where others struggle and I think the partnership is very good and they have got into a position where you can look like your favorite at one point. go and win games.
“But yeah, I think it’s an amazing partnership and it can’t end.”
Quinton de Kock attributes his success to the local knowledge gathered during the CPL
Quinton de Kock attributed his swashbuckling display to his knowledge of local conditions which enabled him to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
“I’ve played a lot of one-day T20s in West Indies cricket and generally that’s the most important time to score, that’s the easiest time to score,” said de Kock, who smashed 49 off 20 balls. power play in.
The match starts at 10.30am local time, while the previous four T20 World Cup games at the venue started at 8.30am.
“I don’t know if the other guys know, but I have common sense. I have played here in the Caribbean League. In the same thing, (the) wicket looks beautiful at night, playing the most different, but on the day 160-170 wins score here on the day.
“I think it’s mostly like in the Caribbean. I think the lights and maybe a little dew at night helps the ball go better.
“The easier time to score is in the powerplay. As the ball gets older and the wicket breaks down, it becomes more difficult. Quinton de Kock says the powerplay is not the only factor and there are other times that help him win.
“I think our bowlers also played well, one or two important moments that could have been the top seed in the final KG (Kagiso Rabada) could have been a potential winner.
“I think there are (some) other moments, but it’s definitely one of the better powerplays in this World Cup, so maybe, you never know.”
England vs South Africa
