Jos Buttler had plenty of praise for another sterling batting performance from Quinton de Kock.

Immediately after England’s seven-run defeat to South Africa in the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Jos Buttler told the TV cameras: ‘Quinton de Kock came out with a lot of intent, really took on that powerplay and we couldn’t quite match that.’

De Kock’s knock of 65 off 38 balls secured him the player of the match award – and the England captain reiterated in his press conference how impressed he had been with the batter’s display.

‘That was the difference in the game,’ said Buttler.

‘The way Quinny played at the top really put us under a lot of pressure and played some great shots, and we weren’t able to match that.’

He added that he felt that South Africa had essentially won the game with their batting powerplay, reaching 63/0 by the end of the sixth over. That came after a slow start in which they made only two in the opening over.

‘The tougher overs from the powerplay today were from the bottom end, which de Kock really took on, took some risks, and played well,’ he concluded.

Super Eight Fixtures (as per local time)

21 June: USA v West Indies, Bridgetown, Barbados

22 June: India v Bangladesh, North Sound, Antigua

22 June: Afghanistan v Australia, Arnos Vale, St Vincent

23 June: USA v England, Bridgetown, Barbados

23 June: West Indies v South Africa, North Sound, Antigua

24 June: Australia v India, Gros Islet, St Lucia

24 June: Afghanistan v Bangladesh, Arnos Vale, St Vincent