All-round South Africa blew away a hapless Sri Lanka to begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive six-wicket win in the Group D opener at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After bowling out Sri Lanka for 77, South Africa gunned down the 78-run target in 16.2 overs to secure a crushing win.
Anrich Nortje spearheaded the South African attack with a career-best performance, claiming 4 wickets for just 7 runs. His fierce pace dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup, which struggled from the onset. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first quickly proved disastrous, as they slumped to their lowest-ever total in T20 internationals.
SL vs SA, T20 World Cup 2024: HIGHLIGHTS
Nortje’s efforts were well-supported by fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada, who took 2 wickets for 21 runs, and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who chipped in with 2 wickets for 22 runs. The rookie pacer Ottneil Baartman, making his World Cup debut, made an immediate impact by securing a wicket with his very first ball and finishing with impressive figures of 1/9.
Baartman’s early breakthrough set the tone for the match, and Nortje capitalized on the early momentum, tearing through the middle order. Key dismissals included Sri Lankan stalwarts Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews, who fell victim to Nortje’s fiery spell. South Africa’s clinical performance in the field was matched by their aggressive intent, as they relentlessly pressured the Sri Lankan batsmen. The Proteas’ dominance with the ball ensured a straightforward chase, securing a convincing victory to kickstart their T20 World Cup campaign.
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