Sri Lanka stumble against South Africa in low-scoring game

South Africa showcased a dominant performance against Sri Lanka in their Group D opener of the T20 World Cup, securing an 6-wicket victory. Anrich Nortje's career-best bowling figures were pivotal in restricting Sri Lanka to their lowest-ever T20 international total. 

The Proteas lost two early wickets in a tentative start to their chase of 78 to win in New York, as ball continues to dominate bat in the opening game in Group D.

Earlier, a bowling masterclass from South Africa lit up New York as wickets tumbled in the first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 game to be held in the city.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, but found the going tough early on, as South Africa’s bowlers extracted extra bounce from the wicket.

Ottneil Baartman struck with his first ball to remove Pathum Nissanka, before Keshav Maharaj stepped in with two wickets in an over to leave the innings in tatters.

The introduction of Anrich Nortje as the fifth bowler saw no let-up for the Lankan batters, as the Protea pacer returned phenomenal figures of 4/7 in his four overs, ending any lingering hopes of a first-innings recovery.

Kagiso Rabada took 2/21, while Baartman ended with an excellent economy of 2.25 in his four overs.

Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews were the only batters to reach double figures in a hugely disappointing display from Sri Lanka, whose innings ended with a run-out as they posted just 77 in 19.1 overs.