South Africa receive a major setback as 31-year-old Anrich Nortje sustains an injury in his left foot effectively forcing him out of action for the remainder of the ongoing T20I series. The main cause behind Nortje's injury has to do with his big toe. As a precautionary measure, he took no part in the first T20I as the medical team required more time to assess his condition.

Initially, it appeared to be a minor case of contusion (skin discoloration phenomenon) but that belief was brushed aside when subsequent scans revealed that the pacer had been carrying a fracture instead. Nortje is expected to consult with an orthopedic specialist to seek appropriate advice regarding his recovery.

See also: SA vs PAK 2nd T20I, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Uncapped Dayyaan Galiem has been added to South Africa's squad 

Nortje's foot injury has compelled South Africa to make a forced change in the middle of the T20I series. Uncapped seamer Dayyaan Galiem gets drafted into the South African T20I squad as a replacement for Nortje. The 27-year-old has 48 FC & List-A games and 60 T20 games under his belt. In addition, the seamer has made three appearances for Joburg Super Kings in the last season of the SA20.

What's next for Nortje?

This is Nortje's second injury in the space of 15 months. The 31-year-old was last seen in action in the Abu Dhabi T10 earlier this month but has yet to represent his side in an international fixture since the T20 World Cup final in June. It may be a while before we see him on the big stage again but there is still a window of opportunity left for him to make an impact before the Champions Trophy next year. 

Nortje is one of many South African bowlers who are reportedly encountering niggle problems. Notably, Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi have been sidelined until January with groin and hip issues respectively while Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the summer with a lower back stress fracture.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has wrapped up, leaving cricket fans across the globe in awe of the stunning performances and nail-biting matches. Among all the excitement, India emerged victorious, lifting the trophy for the second time. While the Indian team’s brilliance was evident, several players from different countries showcased exceptional skills. Here, we look at the best playing XI of the tournament, highlighting the standout performers.

See Also: Rohit Sharma’s unique celebrations after winning T20 World Cup 2024; FIFA and Wimbledon acknowledge

Take a look at best playing of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

This best playing XI, featuring a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging stars, exemplifies the spirit and excitement of T20 cricket. Each player brought something unique to the table, contributing to memorable performances and unforgettable matches. As we celebrate India’s victory, let’s also appreciate the remarkable efforts of these individuals who made the tournament a spectacular event.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was a key figure in Afghanistan’s impressive run in the tournament. The Afghan opener’s stats speak volumes: 8 matches, 281 runs, an average of 35.12, and a strike rate of 124.33.

Gurbaz’s role as the steady opener ensured that Afghanistan often had a solid start. His ability to build an innings and set a foundation for a competitive total made him an invaluable asset.

2. Rohit Sharma (IND) (C)

Rohit Sharma, India’s skipper, had a fantastic tournament with the bat. Scoring 257 runs in 8 matches with an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.70, Rohit led by example.

His captaincy was a masterclass in strategy. Utilizing four spinners effectively and adapting to match situations, Rohit showcased why he is considered one of the best captains in modern cricket.

3. Andries Gous (USA) (wk)

The USA’s wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous made a significant impact. With 219 runs in 6 matches at an average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 151.03, Gous was a pillar for the USA team.

Gous’s ability to handle pressure and perform in tricky conditions earned him a spot as the keeper-batter in this elite XI.

4. Suryakumar Yadav (IND)

Suryakumar Yadav continued to shine in the T20 format, scoring 199 runs in 8 matches with an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 135.37.

His knack for adapting to different playing conditions and match situations made him a crucial player for India. Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav took a sensational catch on the boundary to dismiss David Miller and help India win the T20 World Cup 2024.

5. Marcus Stoinis (AUS)

Marcus Stoinis lived up to his ‘Hulk’ nickname with powerful performances. In 7 matches, he scored 169 runs at a strike rate of 164.07 and took 10 wickets.

His dual capabilities as a hard-hitting batter and reliable bowler made him indispensable to the Australian squad. In the match against Namibia, Stoinis scored 59 runs in just 29 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 203.44.

6. Hardik Pandya (IND

Hardik Pandya bounced back from a tough IPL season with a stellar World Cup performance. He scored 144 runs and took 11 wickets, showcasing his all-round prowess.

Pandya was particularly effective in the US leg of the tournament, where he emerged as a top wicket-taker for India. Hardik defended 16 runs in the final over to ensure a famous win for his team.

7. Axar Patel (IND)

Axar Patel demonstrated his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. He took 9 wickets and scored 92 runs, contributing significantly in all departments.

Axar’s presence added depth to the Indian lineup, providing both offensive and defensive options. Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls crucial knock should not be overlooked. Following the loss of three wickets for 34 runs in final match against South Africa, Axar was promoted up the order as a circuit-breaker.

8. Rashid Khan (AFG)

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan with distinction. His 14 wickets in 8 matches, with an economy rate of 6.17, underlined his importance.

Rashid’s best performances came in high-pressure matches, where he delivered critical breakthroughs. He made history in a match against Bangladesh, becoming the first spinner to surpass 150 wickets in T20I cricket and the fourth bowler to record three four-wicket hauls in the tournament.

9. Anrich Nortje (SA)

Anrich Nortje marked his return to international cricket with a bang. He took 13 wickets in 8 matches, with an average of 13.46 and a best of 4-7.

Nortje’s lethal bowling in the powerplay and death overs made him a standout performer for South Africa. The speedster made the most of spicy wickets in USA, kickstarting his campaign with a 4-7 against Sri Lanka.

He’s also been effective in the West Indies, bowling a brilliant final over to secure a close win against England and getting 2-7 in the semi-final against Afghanistan.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (IND)

Jasprit Bumrah was the tournament’s best bowler, with 15 wickets in 8 matches and an economy rate of 4.17. His average of 8.26 reflects his dominance.

As if making up for the fact that he missed the last edition of the tournament due to an injury, Jasprit Bumrah has shown peak form in the tournament.Bumrah’s ability to take wickets in all phases of the game was instrumental in India’s success.

This was most visible against Pakistan in New York, where the irrepressible pacer bamboozled the opposition in each of his short spells, and guided India to a six-run win with his 3-14.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

Fazalhaq Farooqi was a revelation for Afghanistan. With 17 wickets in 9 matches and an economy rate of 6.31, he was a consistent threat to opposition batters.

Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan’s charge in the group stages with his scintillating new ball display, picking 12 wickets from his first three games, including a career-best 5-9 versus Uganda and 4-17 in his side’s historic win over New Zealand. Farooqi’s impressive performance earned him a well-deserved place in this best XI.

12th Man: Saurabh Netravlakar (USA)

Saurabh Netravalkar’s journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of inspirational. He played a crucial role in USA’s surprising run to the Super Eights.

His ability to bowl effectively in both powerplays and death overs, including a memorable Super Over against Pakistan, highlighted his skill and composure.

The Men in Blue will now face South Africa in their final game on Saturday at the Bridgetown in Barbados. Earlier on Thursday, the Proteas beat Afghanistan in the first semi-final. India has qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 final after defeating England by 69 runs in their second semi-final in Guyana on Thursday.
South Africa beat Afghanistan in the first semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Proteas advanced for their first World Cup final.

There will be several intriguing player battles ahead of the India-South Africa T20 World Cup final. Player clashes add a new level of excitement to the contest’s winner selection process. Let’s look at a few of them:

Rohit Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada

The Indian skipper has been in excellent form and is coming off two consecutive half-centuries. So far, no batter has hit three consecutive 50s in this tournament. The way Rohit is batting right now, it appears very possible, and he is a player who can remove the pitch from the equation.

That’s why it’s critical to stop him. Kagiso Rabada has also caused him problems on several occasions. Rabada has bowled Rohit 13 times in international cricket, including twice in the IPL. That means he eliminated the Indian captain 15 times in their 32 meetings.

Also Read: From weather to reserve day: All you need to know about T20 World Cup 2024 Final between South Africa and India

Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, is performing badly in this tournament. However, given his stature, he is capable of winning any position. That is why South Africa will not write him off. If South Africa can get him out early, it will put pressure on the remaining Indian batters, especially Rohit.

That is where we believe Marco Jansen can be useful. The pacer with the left arm is going to get the ball into him and are good bouncer, whereas Virat may struggle. Jansen dismissed Virat five times in international cricket and once in the Indian Premier League.

Heinrich Klaasen vs Kuldeep Yadav

South Africa will be contemplating their strategy against the Indian spinner, as this will be crucial in the SA vs IND final. Heinrich Klaasen will be the lineup’s biggest batter. He can face Indian spinner and score runs on shifting tracks as well.

Kuldeep Yadav, however, will be his most difficult challenge. This wrist spinner is difficult to read, which makes him a danger to any batter. Klaasen and Kuldeep have met ten times in international cricket, with Kuldeep dismissing him three times. In white-ball cricket, Klaasen has scored 84 runs off 64 balls against him.

Suryakumar Yadav vs Anrich Nortje

Not only will India rely on Rohit and Virat, but also on Suryakumar Yadav’s batting. He has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, and it is now time for him to deliver one final strong innings that will propel India to victory. He has a good record against South Africa.

He’ll be looking to play some unconventional shots. However, it can be difficult to beat Anrich Nortje, who can bowl at speeds ranging from 120 to 150 KMPH without changing his action. Nortje has twice dismissed Suryakumar in four IPL innings.

Quinton de Kock vs Jasprit Bumrah

Quinton de Kock is the leading scorer for South Africa in the current ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He scored runs against strong opposition and will be crucial for his team. If he gets going, he will not let the Indian bowlers rest. That is where it will be critical to get him out.

However, his first challenge will be versus Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer has given India a good start. His first spell will be critical. He has enjoyed bowling with De Kock. Bumrah has sacked De Kock six times, including once in the IPL.

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.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Team Analysis: Is this the start of a new chapter for Afghanistan’s T20 Cricket?

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

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.

Sri Lanka’s recent performance against South Africa in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup was nothing short of a debacle. Bundled out for a meager 77 runs, Sri Lanka recorded its lowest T20I total ever, eclipsing their previous lowest of 82 against India in 2016.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka hoped to set a challenging target for South Africa. However, a disciplined bowling attack, led by star pacer Anrich Nortje, had other plans. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled, finishing at a paltry 77 runs in 19.1 overs.

See Also: Kedar Jadhav announces retirement from all forms of cricket

The Powerplay phase saw Sri Lanka managing only 24 runs while losing one wicket. The cautious approach and inability to capitalize on the fielding restrictions set the tone for the rest of the innings.

Anrich Nortje’s Dominance

Anrich Nortje was the standout performer, ripping through Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with a remarkable spell of 4 wickets for just 7 runs. His performance not only secured the best bowling figures for South Africa in a T20 World Cup but also showcased his prowess as a top-tier fast bowler.

Nortje’s first breakthrough came with the dismissal of Kamindu Mendis, followed by crucial wickets of Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in successive overs. These dismissals were pivotal, breaking the back of Sri Lanka’s batting and ensuring no significant partnerships were built.

Nortje’s Record-Breaking Performance

Nortje’s 4/7 surpassed his own previous best of 4/10 against Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup. With this performance, he now holds the best bowling figures for South Africa in T20 World Cups and has the most wickets by any bowler after their first 11 T20 World Cup games, maintaining a wicket in each match.

Nortje breaks his own record

As mentioned, Nortje’s 4/7 are now the best bowling figures for South Africa in the T20 World Cup. He broke his own record of taking 4/10 against Bangladesh in the 2022 edition in Sydney. Wayne Parnell (4/13 vs WI, The Oval, 2009) and Jacques Kallis (4/15 vs Zimbabwe, Hambantota, 2012) follow Nortje on this list.

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

Delhi Capitals will not be able to use South African Anrich Nortje in their crucial IPL 2023 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday at Feroz Shah Kotla, as the pacer had to fly back home for personal emergency.

Delhi Capitals Facing a Tough Challenge

Anrich Nortje’s absence from the Royal Challengers Bangalore match was made public by the Delhi Capitals on their official Twitter account. The Capitals are now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement, citing a personal emergency as the reason. Against the formidable RCB team, Nortje’s speed and wicket-taking abilities will be greatly missed. This was their announcement via tweet:

The Capitals have relied heavily on Anrich Nortje, who has an impressive IPL record

He has taken 50 wickets in 38 matches, including seven wickets in eight IPL 2023 matches, at an economy rate of 8.91 and an average of 40.71. The Capitals should figure out how to make up for his nonappearance and set up major areas of strength for a.

RCB Gains Advantage

The Royal Challengers Bangalore can relax now that Anrich Nortje is out of the lineup. Many IPL teams, including RCB, have had trouble with Nortje’s ability to take wickets. Entering the coordinate with certainty in the wake of guarding a low all out against Lucknow Super Goliaths, RCB expects to proceed with their great structure and secure a success against the Capitals.

The match between the Delhi Capitals and the Imperial Challengers Bangalore vows to be an interesting standoff. However, in order to compete with RCB’s star-studded batting lineup, the Capitals will need to find a suitable replacement for Nortje. Central members like Kohli, Glenn, and Faf have been in magnificent structure this season, and the Capitals should be at their best to contain them.