In a stunning T20 World Cup opener in New York, South Africa’s Anrich Nortje led the Proteas to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka. Nortje’s incredible performance saw him take four wickets for just seven runs, helping to bowl out Sri Lanka for a record low of 77.
This score was the lowest ever for Sri Lanka in T20 cricket. Nortje’s figures are now the best by a South African in a T20 World Cup, surpassing his own previous record of 4-10 against Bangladesh two years ago.
Other notable performances included Kagiso Rabada (2-21) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-22), who also played a key role in dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Kusal Mendis (19) and Angelo Mathews (16) were the only Sri Lankan batsmen to score above 15. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired on a challenging pitch.
South Africa faced early struggles in their chase, losing quick wickets and finding it hard to time the ball. They were 23-2 but managed to stabilize thanks to opener Quinton de Kock’s 20 runs. Despite being at 58-4, Heinrich Klaasen’s timely six and four in successive balls helped calm the team’s nerves. Klaasen remained unbeaten at 19, guiding South Africa to 80-4 with 26 balls to spare.
Making his World Cup debut, South African fast bowler Ottneil Baartman sparked Sri Lanka’s collapse by taking a wicket with his very first ball. Maharaj struck twice in the ninth over, and Nortje finished strong by taking Mathews’ wicket. Sri Lanka’s innings ended with five balls remaining, featuring four ducks.
#T20WorldCup2024 #SouthAfricaVsSriLanka #AnrichNortje #CricketHighlights #RecordLowScore #NewYorkCricket #ProteasVictory
