Sri Lanka’s ongoing clash with South Africa in New York during the T20 World Cup 2024 was a significant match, but it became notable for the wrong reasons. The Powerplay phase, crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the innings, saw Sri Lanka recording one of their joint-lowest scores in T20 World Cup history.

Sri Lanka’s Powerplay Woes

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that quickly seemed questionable. South Africa’s bowlers were relentless, exploiting the conditions expertly.

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The Powerplay, where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle, is designed to give batters a chance to score freely. However, Sri Lanka found themselves shackled, ending the first six overs at a dismal 24 for one. This score was tied with their previous low against New Zealand in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and only slightly better than their all-time lowest Powerplay score of 18 for three against India, also in 2022.

Key Moments

The early dismissal of opener Pathum Nissanka was a significant blow. Nissanka, trying to break the early pressure, holed out at third man after scoring just three runs off eight deliveries. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis managed to hit a boundary each, but the pressure from South Africa’s bowlers kept them from capitalizing further.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Struggles

Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to stabilize the innings after the Powerplay. Nortje and Maharaj continued to wreak havoc, with Sri Lankan batters falling to a mix of desperate slogs and poor shot choices. This collapse left the team in disarray, unable to build any substantial partnerships.

Despite the early setbacks, there were attempts by Sri Lanka’s middle order to recover. However, these were sporadic and ultimately insufficient. The lack of partnerships and frequent wickets prevented any significant resurgence.

The pitch in New York was slow and offered extra bounce, conditions that South Africa’s pacers exploited perfectly. The extra bounce and slight stickiness made shot-making difficult, forcing Sri Lankan batters into defensive postures and mistimed shots.

South Africa’s Bowling Dominance

South Africa’s bowlers were impeccable, starting with Ottniel Baartman, who made an immediate impact by dismissing Nissanka. Nortje’s figures of 4 for 7 highlighted his dominance, as he consistently troubled the batters with pace and bounce. Maharaj also played a crucial role, maintaining pressure with his spin.

Lowest totals by a Full member team in T20 WCs
55 Eng vs WI Dubai 2021
60 NZ vs SL Chattogram 2014
70 Ban vs NZ Kolkata 2016
72 Ban vs Aus Dubai 2021
77 SL vs SA New York 2024 *

Most economical 4-over spell in T20 WC
1.75 A Nortje vs SL New York 2024 *
2.00 A Mendis vs Zim Hambantota 2012
2.00 Mahmudullah vs Afg Mirpur 2014
2.00 W Hasaranga vs UAE Geelong 2022

It is also the lowest South Africa have bowled out an opponent in T20Is.

Lowest totals for SL in T20Is
77 vs SA New York 2024 *
82 vs Ind Vizag 2016
87 vs Aus Bridgetown 2010
87 vs Ind Cuttack 2017
91 vs Eng Southampton 2021