T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: Anrich Nortje makes a spectacular comeback in New York against Sri Lanka

Anrich Nortje’s poor form was no secret; it was as evident as daylight. Anyone paying attention could see him getting hit hard by batters of all types in the Indian Premier League just a few weeks ago. Nortje, plagued by injuries, had a disappointing return to the IPL this year. He struggled immensely, finishing among the season’s worst pacers with an economy rate of 13.4 and a bowling average of 42. His performance was so lackluster that he played only six matches for the Delhi Capitals before being dropped halfway through the league stages. This visible decline in form and effectiveness was concerning for both fans and selectors alike.

Thus, it was quite surprising when Nortje was included in South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup, especially given that he had not played any international cricket for over nine months. Many eyebrows were raised, and questions were asked about this decision. Despite his recent struggles, sometimes all it takes is a small push to reignite a player’s potential. For Nortje, this selection could serve as the needed catalyst to reclaim his form and make a significant impact on the global stage once again.

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In-depth Analysis of Anrich Nortje’s Match Winning Spell

🏏 @AnrichNortje02 makes a spectacular comeback in New York against Sri Lanka#CricketLovers #t20worldcup @ProteasMenCSA #SAvsSL

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— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) June 4, 2024

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka quickly found themselves in deep trouble. The pitch was not only bouncy but also inconsistent in its bounce. It had significant pace, and when the ball was dug into the surface, it exhibited a spongy, tennis ball-like bounce. Additionally, there was substantial seam movement with the new ball, making it clear why the South African pacers felt right at home on this pitch.

Then Anrich Nortje arrived with his blistering pace, and chaos ensued. The kind of chaos only a bowler clocking 150 kmph in top form can create. He came on to bowl in the eighth over of the Lankan innings and immediately made an impact. Nortje hit the deck hard with a shortish delivery outside off. Kusal Mendis, looking to capitalize on the slight width, attempted to play it over mid-on. However, the ball climbed unexpectedly and sailed over his bat, setting the tone for Nortje’s dominant spell.

Venom. Hard Length. Accuracy. This was Nortje of old. The next three balls were a nightmare for Kusal Mendis, who found himself constantly shifting back and forth in the crease, desperately trying to make contact with the ball. Nortje ended Kamindu Mendis’ struggles on the fifth ball by delivering a well-pitched ball on the pads, which Kamindu flicked straight to the fielder at deep backward square leg.

Nortje returned in the tenth over, continuing his lethal spell. He dismissed Kusal Mendis by making him misjudge another short ball, leaving Sri Lanka in disarray. In just two overs, Nortje had conceded only four runs off the bat and taken two crucial wickets. By this point, Sri Lanka was already on their knees, with half their team back in the pavilion.

The onslaught didn’t stop there. Nortje bowled a similar delivery to Charith Asalanka that had removed Kamindu Mendis—full and angling into the pads—and sent Asalanka back to the pavilion as well. The final blow came when he dismissed Angelo Mathews, the only Sri Lankan batter showing some form, with a pull shot that went awry. This dismissal was a significant body blow to Sri Lanka, who were all out for just 77 runs, completing a dismal innings under Nortje’s relentless attack.

A quick analysis of his lengths shows that it was the short and back-of-a-good-length deliveries from Nortje that proved effective. This length, his bread and butter, is exactly what you picture when you think of his bowling. The pitch conditions were favorable, and Nortje capitalized on them fully. The Proteas will play their next two games in New York, where they have already observed how helpful the surface can be.

With their most lethal weapon having already made an impact, the South Africans are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Nortje’s resurgence on this supportive pitch gives them a significant advantage. Entering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it’s remarkable that their previously out-of-form bowler has risen to prominence in such a spectacular fashion, embodying the spirit of success in the land of dreams.