PC – BCCI. Nortje took a four-for
In very tricky conditions for batting, Anrich Nortje burst open Sri Lanka’s batting unit with amazing figures of 4 for 7 as South Africa began their T20 World Cup campaign on the right note with a six-wicket win. The African nation chased down the target of 78 in the 17th over.
Right from the start of Sri Lanka’s innings, it was quite evident that South Africa’s tall pace bowlers would enjoy the conditions. Marco Jansen troubled the Island nations’ openers, and Ottneil Baartman reaped the reward by removing Pathum Nissanka. Nortje then took over by dismissing Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Angelo Matthews.
It was a combination of hard length and a couple of shots that went straight to the fielders patrolling the leg-side boundary that did the damage against the Sri Lankan batters. In fact, none of them crossed the 20-run mark. Kusal was the top-scorer with 19 runs, while Matthews contributed 16. Eventually, Sri Lanka were bundled out in the final over.
South Africa, too, found the conditions rather tough. If Sri Lanka had added another 30 runs or so, they might have even emerged victorious. For South Africa, Quinton de Kock compiled a patient 27-ball 20. Heinrich Klaasen, lower down the order, smacked a four and a six off Wanindu Hasaranga as South Africa inched closer to victory. David Miller then provided the finishing touches.
Sri Lanka will play their next fixture versus Bangladesh on June 7. South Africa lock horns against their bogey team, the Netherlands, the following day.