The Proteas defeated Sri Lanka for a record low 77 runs in their opening Twenty20 World Cup match, thanks in large part to a sensational four wicket haul for just seven runs from South Africa’s Anrich Nortje. The Proteas won the match by six wickets.
Anrich Nortje of South Africa claimed an incredible four wickets for seven runs, helping the Proteas defeat Sri Lanka for a record-low 77 on their route to a six-wicket victory in their T20 World Cup opening match on Monday in New York. As fast bowler Nortje’s stats, which surpassed his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago, were the greatest by a South African at a T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka’s total was the lowest in T20 cricket history. Sri Lanka’s chances were further harmed by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-22), who claimed two wickets in two balls. Kagiso Rabada (2-21).
Following their captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, who appeared to misjudge the conditions by choosing to bat first after winning the toss in the opening match at a Long Island ground constructed especially for this tournament, only veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) and opener Kusal Mendis (19) scored more than 15 runs.
On a pitch that was challenging for batting, South Africa’s top order also had trouble timing the ball, which cost them early wickets in their chase.
In their response, they were down 23-2 at one point, but Quinton de Kock, the opener, produced 20 runs before Heinrich Klaasen, the big striker, calmed his side down with consecutive sixes and fours, with the Proteas having lost momentum 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.Nuwan Thushara, the last man, was run out for the fourth duck of the innings, and Sri Lanka was bowled out with five balls remaining.
