T20 World Cup: Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada hit form to help Proteas beat USA

The Proteas were almost on the end of a shock result as the United States fell just short of the 195-run target in a brave run chase.

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The Proteas posted 194-4 from their 20 overs in the T20 World Cup Super Eights stage and the USA, making their debut in the competition, were agonisingly short as Aidan Markram’s side held on for the victory.

De Kock, who has had a quiet tournament by his high standards, did the damage with the bat, hitting five sixes and seven fours in a 40-ball 74.

Markram provided support with 46 off 32 deliveries while some late-innings hitting from Heinrich Klaasen, who smacked three sixes in his 36, and Tristan Stubbs set an imposing target.

Opener Andries Gous, who was born and started his career in South Africa, was the lynchpin of the USA innings, blasting an unbeaten 80 from 47 balls.

He hit five fours and five sixes as he threatened to take his adopted country to a famous victory.

However, he did not receive much support around him until Harmeet Singh smashed 38 off 22 balls, including three sixes.

But when Singh was caught off Rabada with 11 balls remaining their hopes were over as South Africa defended their target.

Rabada was back to his best with the ball as the paceman recorded economical figures of 3-18 in his four overs.

The win put the Proteas top of Group 2 in the Super Eights, with England and West Indies kicking off their second-round stage later on Thursday.