Explosive Quinny, calm KG set up Proteas' nervy T20 World Cup Super 8s win over USA

Quinton de Kock returned to form with a stunning T20 half-century as the Proteas won their opening Super Eight encounter against the USA by 18 runs on Wednesday in Antigua.

Doubts about the Proteas' top-order were prevalent after their early tournament struggles, but De Kock and Aiden Markram swiftly dispelled these concerns by putting the USA under intense pressure.

In response, the USA mounted a formidable challenge, with South African-born Andries Gous scoring a half-century that put the Proteas under significant pressure.

Chasing 195 runs to win, Gous and Harmeet Singh took on the Proteas as a determined USA side were restricted to 176-6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Steven Taylor's flurry start came undone by fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, as he got a leading edge to depart for a 24 off 14. Rabada followed his opening spell with the wicket of Nitish Kumar (8).

USA seemed to have lost momentum, with Keshav Maharaj getting the nick of co-host skipper Aaron Jones' bat to see him depart for a duck.

New Zealander Corey Anderson didn't last long as he was bowled for 12 by Anrich Nortje, who equalled Dale Steyn with 30 T20 World Cup wickets.

Shamsi trapped Shayan Jahangir for LBW for three before a 101-run partnership between South African-born Andries Gous and Harmeet Singh put the Proteas under pressure.

Gous was superb against his former homeland as he brought up his third T20 half-century. Momentum was shifting to the USA with the duo at the crease, however, Harmeet's innings of 38 was cut short by Rabada, who bowled superbly to end on figures of three for 14 (bowling 14 dot balls) in his four overs.

Needing 28 off 12 balls, the Proteas clawed their way back and done enough to seal their first Super Eight win.

Gous smashed an