South Africa crush Sri Lanka to kick off triumphant T20 World Cup campaign

NEW YORK: Anrich Nortje’s ruthless bowling figures of 4/7, followed by a combined batting effort led South Africa to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The Proteas had a contrasting start to the run-chase as they lost opener Reeza Hendricks (4) and skipper Aiden Markram (12) early with just 23 runs on the board in 4.2 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Quinton de Kock partnered briefly with Tristan Stubbs, and the duo, combined to add 28 runs for the third wicket before both perished in quick succession.

Stubbs scored a scratchy 13 off 28 deliveries while de Kock made a 27-ball 20 with the the help of a six.

Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller then put together a sensible batting stand and got South Africa over the line with 22 balls to spare.

Klaasen remained unbeaten with 19 off 22 deliveries while Miller scored a run-a-ball six.

Wanindu Hasaranga bagged two wickets for Sri Lanka while Nuwan Thushara and Dasun Shanaka chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Sri Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva’s decision to bat first against South Africa at a tricky Nassau County International Stadium’s surface did not bear fruits as they were bowled out for a meagre total in 19.1 overs.

The Asian side had a dismal start to their innings as Pathum Nissanka (3) perished cheaply with just 13 runs on the board in 3.1 overs.

Following the early blow, Kamindu Mendis joined Kusal Mendis and the pair looked to anchor the innings with a cautious partnership.

The duo, however, could not pull Sri Lanka out of trouble as Kamindu fell victim to Nortje in the eighth over after scoring a scratchy 11 off 15 deliveries.

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Kamindu’s dismissal sparked a middle-order collapse as Sri Lanka lost four more wickets in quick succession including their mainstay Kusal Mendis to eventually slip to 45/6 in 11.2 overs.

All-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Angelo Mathews then offered brief retaliation with a gutsy partnership for the seventh wicket.

They added 23 runs at a brisk rate until Shanaka was cleaned up by Kagiso Rabada in the 15th over.

Mathews followed in his footsteps an over later as he fell victim to ruthless Anrich Nortje after scoring a run-a-ball 16.

Sri Lanka’s batting tail then crumbled against a disciplined South Africa bowling attack and thus the Proteas booked them for a paltry total.

Anrich Nortje led the bowling charge for South Africa with four wickets, followed by Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, who bagged two wickets each.

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