T20 World Cup: India, Australia, South Africa, England begin Super 8s with wins

India and Australia in Group 1 and England and South Africa in Group 2 opened their points tally in the Super 8s stage of the ICC T20 World Cup being played in the West Indies.

India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs in Bridgetown, Barbados while Australia prevailed over Bangladesh by 28 runs (under Duckworth/Lewis) method in North Sound, Antigua.

England crushed host West Indies by eight wickets at Gros Islet in St Lucia whereas South Africa survived a scare against United States of America, winning by 18 runs in North Sound, Antigua.

The victories put all the four points with two points each after the first round of matches.

The closest of the matches was played between co-host USA and South Africa where the Americans fell short of the 195-run target by just 18 runs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Andries Gous, who opened the innings, top-scored with 80 off 47 balls with five fours and five sixes to take the fight to the Proteas camp.

“Gous played well. Made life tough for us,” said South Africa skipper Aiden Markram after the match.

USA captain Aaron Jones lamented the lack of discipline in the side.

“I don't want to say that I disappointed. I thought we could have been more disciplined with the ball. But it goes this way sometimes,” said Jones.

Cricket, T20 World Cup, Australia, India, South Africa, England