At Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, South Africa’s bowlers shine in their team’s victory over Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
South Africa’s bowling masterclass lit up New York as wickets fell in the first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 match played in the city.
Baartman and Nortje have an instant effect.
In New York, Ottneil Baartman and Anrich Nortje’s skill destroyed Sri Lanka. Baartman claimed a wicket with the opening ball and gave up only nine runs in his four overs, while Nortje amassed incredible figures of 4/7 in his four overs.
And although South Africa had a difficult time chasing 78, the Proteas won easily and launched their campaign with a strong start.
South Africa maintains their composure in the pursuit
The Sri Lankan bowlers made sure the first-ever T20 World Cup play in New York was a low-scoring thriller as South Africa edged past their opponents with an only 78 runs remaining in the Nassau County encounter.
With 20 off 27 balls, Quinton de Kock led the chase and demonstrated how difficult it was for even seasoned international players to score on a pitch that provided plenty of opportunities for both quicks and spinners.
After reaching just 77 all out in their opening innings, Sri Lanka needed a powerplay, and Nuwan Thushara and Dasun Shanaka delivered.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s double blow of dismissing De Kock and Tristan Stubbs (13 from 28) gave the Lankans hope.
However, 78 was never going to be enough to stop South Africa’s formidable batting order, and with 3.4 overs and six wickets remaining, the double-act of Heinrich Klaasen (19* from 22) and David Miller (6* from 6) finished the job.
South Africa triumphs in New York
How Sri Lanka lost the opening game in New York
Prior to this, Sri Lanka had won the toss and chosen to bat first, but they quickly had difficulties when South Africa’s bowlers removed more bounce from the wicket.
Pathum Nissanka was dismissed by Baartman with his opening ball, and the innings was quickly destroyed by Keshav Maharaj, who took two wickets in an over.
Any residual dreams of a first-innings comeback were dashed with the entrance of Protea pacer Nortje as the fifth bowler, who returned incredible figures of 4/7 in his four overs.
While Baartman finished with an outstanding economy of 2.25 in his four overs, Kagiso Rabada claimed 2/21.
The only hitters to reach double figures in Sri Lanka’s terribly poor performance, which saw them record just 77 in 19.1 overs with a run-out, were Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Angelo Mathews.
On Saturday, June 8, South Africa plays the Netherlands in New York with the goal of solidifying their place in the qualification slots, while Sri Lanka will try to recover when they start their Group D campaign against Bangladesh.
