New York—The 2024 edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicked off in spectacular
fashion, with a clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa at the newly established
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is in Eisenhower Park, New York. In a match dominated by bowlers, South Africa secured a commanding six-wicket victory, led by Anrich Nortjes career-best figures of 4 (7 runs conceded). 

Bowlers Dominate on a Two-Paced Pitch
The match saw only 157 runs scored over 35.3 overs, a testament to the challenging
conditions presented by the two-paced pitch with variable bounce and swing. Winning the toss and opting to bowl, South Africa exploited these conditions to their advantage, bundling out Sri Lanka for a meagre 77 runs in 19.1 overs.

From the outset, Sri Lanka struggled against the probing South African attack. Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal for a duck by debutant Baartman set the tone for the innings. Nortje, coming in as the fifth bowler, immediately made an impact, dismissing Kamindu Mendis and triggering a collapse. Keshav Maharaj compounded Sri Lanka’s woes with consecutive wickets, leaving the 2014 champions reeling.

Sri Lanka’s Battling Collapse
Sri Lanka’s innings never gained momentum, with poor shot execution and disciplined South African bowling ensuring no batter crossed the 20-run mark. Only three Sri Lankan batsmen managed to reach double figures. Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka briefly resisted, hitting three sixes between them, but their efforts were insufficient.

South Africa’s Chase
Chasing a modest target of 78, South Africa faced early setbacks, losing Reeza.
Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram in quick succession. However, Heinrich
Klaasen’s aggressive approach, highlighted by a six and a four off Wanindu Hasaranga, eased the pressure. David Miller sealed the victory with a boundary, ensuring South Africa’s campaign began on a high note.

Nortje’s record-breaking performance

Anrich Nortjes 4-7 set several records:

Sri Lanka’s Lowest Total: Their total of 77 is the lowest in men’s T20Is, surpassing their previous low of 82 against India in 2016.

Lowest against South Africa: This is also the lowest total against South Africa in
men’s T20Is, with Afghanistan’s 80 in 2010 being the previous lowest.

Economical Bowling: Nortjes seven runs conceded are the fewest by a bowler.
completing their four-over quota in Men’s T20 World Cup history.

South African Record: He also set a new record for South African bowlers in
men’s T20Is, bettering his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in 2022.

Third-Best Against Sri Lanka: His figures are the best against Sri Lanka in men.
T20 World Cups and the third-best in all men’s T20Is against them.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters and record-breaking performances.