In their first-ever T20 World Cup match in New York, the Proteas defeated Sri Lanka by a six-wicket margin on Monday, thanks to an incredible four wickets for just seven runs from South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, according to AFP.
With fast bowler Nortje’s stats the greatest by a South African in a T20 World Cup, surpassing his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago, Sri Lanka’s score was the lowest in all of T20 cricket.
Sri Lanka’s hopes was further harmed by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-22), who claimed two wickets in two balls. Kagiso Rabada (2-21).
In the inaugural match at a Long Island ground constructed especially for this tournament, captain Wanindu Hasaranga appeared to misjudge the conditions by choosing to bat first after winning the toss. Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) and opener Kusal Mendis (19) were the only Sri Lankan batsmen to reach the 15-run mark.
However, South Africa also lost early wickets in their chase due to difficulties in timing the ball among their top order on a ground that was not conducive to batting.
They were 23-2 early in their reply, but Quinton de Kock scored 20 before the big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen calmed his side’s nerves with a six and a four off back-to-back deliveries with the Proteas reeling at 58-4.
With 26 balls remaining, South Africa finished at 80-4 with Klaasen at 19 not out.
In his World Cup debut, South Africa’s Ottneil Baartman, a fast bowler, had Pathum Nissanka caught in deep with his first ball, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s collapse. Nortje then removed Kamindu Mendis in a similar manner.
as that, Maharaj struck again in the ninth over, leaving Sri Lanka behind 32-4 as Hasaranga was stumped by De Kock and Sadeera Samarawickrama was clean bowled by a quicker delivery. Charith Asalanka then managed to survive the hat-trick ball. In the last over, Nortje came back to dismiss Mathews.
When the last man, Nuwan Thushara, was run out for one of the innings’ four ducks, Sri Lanka was bowled out with five balls remaining.