SA vs USA T20 World Cup 2024: Target-setters vs chasers in Antigua, who has the upper hand in South Africa vs United States Super 8 clash?

Eight of South Africa’s last 10 defeats have come chasing while the last seven of the USA’s 10 wins were etched batting second.

South Africa have been nervy chasers lately, with eight of their last 10 defeats coming with a score in front of them. On the contrary, US has clocked seven of their last 10 wins (including a Super Over win against Pakistan). (AP/PTI)

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.

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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.

Lalith Kalidas

Lalith Kalidas is a Senior Sub-Editor with the sports team of The Indian Express. Working with the online sports desk, Lalith specializes in the happenings on the cricket field, with a particular interest in India's domestic cricket circle. He also carries an affinity towards data-driven stories and often weaves them into cricketing contexts through his analysis. Lalith also writes the weekly stats-based cricket column - 'Stats Corner'. A former cricketer who has played in state-level tournaments in Kerala, he has over four years of experience as a sports journalist. Lalith also covered the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. ... Read More

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