The T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a bang as South Africa handed a crushing six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. This match was significant not just for the outcome but also for setting the tone for the tournament.

Match Summary

South Africa’s dominant performance was evident from the start. After bundling Sri Lanka out for a mere 77 runs, the Proteas chased down the target in 16.2 overs despite a few early hiccups. This victory marked a perfect start for South Africa in Group D.

See Also: SL vs SA: Anrich Nortje records best figures for SA in T20 World Cup match

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Sri Lanka’s innings was nothing short of a disaster. Opting to bat first, they managed to score only 77 runs, their lowest total in T20I cricket. The batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of South Africa’s formidable bowling attack. Kusal Mendis’s 30-ball-19 was the highest individual score for Sri Lanka today.

South Africa’s Bowling Brilliance

The South African bowlers were on fire, led by Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj. Their combined efforts resulted in a middle-order collapse that Sri Lanka could not recover from.

Nortje’s Career-Best Figures

Anrich Nortje was the star of the show, delivering his career-best figures of 4 wickets for just 7 runs. His fierce pace and precision dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup, setting the stage for a South African victory.

Keshav Maharaj’s Key Wickets

Keshav Maharaj played a crucial role by removing key batsmen, including Sri Lankan skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and Sadeera Samarawickrama, in back-to-back deliveries. His performance added significant pressure on Sri Lanka.

Supporting Bowlers’ Contributions

Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman also made vital contributions. Rabada’s experience and Baartman’s impressive debut added depth to South Africa’s bowling attack, ensuring Sri Lanka never found their footing.

South Africa’s Chase

Chasing 78 runs, South Africa encountered a few early setbacks but managed to stabilize and reach the target comfortably in 16.2 overs. The Proteas’ calculated approach ensured there were no surprises.

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.

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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

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.

See Also: Sanju Samson Reflects on His T20 World Cup 2024 Selection: A Decade of Setbacks

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

SA vs SL Match Preview

South Africa and Sri Lanka meet in the fourth match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup on Saturday afternoon at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. South Africa has a history of underperforming in big moments, finishing seventh in England four years ago. They were a major disappointment in the previous Cricket World Cup, but early indications suggest that they could be genuine contenders for this tournament in India. They defeated Australia after coming back from a two-match deficit. South Africa should be too strong for Sri Lanka in this match. Last month, Sri Lanka won the 2022 Asia Cup (T20I) and advanced to the final of the 2023 competition in this format. They have struggled against the top sides in this format in recent years, but they have players who can cause South Africa problems.

SA vs SL Match Details

South Africa vs Sri Lanka – 4th Match

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium – New Delhi

Date & Time: 07th October 2023 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

SA vs SL Venue Stats

SA vs SL Pitch Report

At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, there is always a good pace to work with, and we expect more of the same in Delhi on Saturday. In this game, a par score will be greater than 350 on this pitch.

SA vs SL Weather Report

The first half of this game will be played in temperatures ranging from the low to mid-30s, with the sun shining brightly.

SA vs SL Last Five Matches

SA vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

SA vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Lahiru Kumara, Matheesha Pathirana

Topmost Picks for SA vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa

• Aiden Markram – The right-handed stylish batter is playing some of his best cricket this year. He averages 35.42 across his career in ODIs but in 2023 alone he averages 64.11 in ODIs.
• Kagiso Rabada – The pace bowler has taken a 5-wicket haul on two occasions in ODIs and he will enjoy the bounce and speed on offer from this venue.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis – The keeper-batter was already in strong form for Sri Lanka before he hit a remarkable 158 runs from 87 balls in the final warm-up game against Afghanistan on Tuesday.
• Matheesha Pathirana – The 20 year old right arm fast bowler with a distinctive action took a 3 wicket haul against Pakistan during the Super Fours of the 2023 Asia Cup and big things are expected.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SA vs SL Dream11 Team:

Quinton de Kock(C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(VC), Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Matheesha Pathirana

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for SA vs SL Dream11 Team:

Quinton de Kock, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Aiden Markram(C), Marco Jansen(VC), Kagiso Rabada, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram

Vice-captain – Kusal Mendis, Marco Jansen

Wicketkeeper – Quinton de Kock

SA vs SL Probable Winners:

Most analysts would have written off South Africa’s chances of competing in this tournament four weeks ago, but their victory over Australia has caused many to reconsider. Similarly, Sri Lanka was on a long winning streak before abruptly losing their way near the end of the 2023 Asia Cup. This match will be won by the team that is able to adjust to the pace of the wicket. We expect South Africa to win, and we are rooting for them. Considering the team combination, South Africa is expected to win this match.

Two sides with players falling short of superstar status but still possessing incredible talent face off. South Africa comes in with a team full of players who could do the job with ease but tend to fall under the radar. They have a settled line-up and are in good form but their World Cup record remains a concern, especially considering their disaster last time.

Sri Lanka on the other hand tends to pull itself up in big tournaments. They made the Asia Cup Finals recently, had a disastrous batting collapse and their captain is struggling badly with the bat. With the ball, Hasaranga and Chameera are out and Theekshana too has injury concerns. Sri Lanka found themselves in a similar situation last time too but continued to put together some incredible fights to finish pretty decently in the tournament.

SA vs SL Match Details

Date: October 7th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Delhi

SA vs SL Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

SA vs SL Pitch Report

Flat track, small boundaries and the possible onset of dew will give sides bowling first a huge advantage.

SA vs SL Head-to-Head

Played- 80 | South Africa- 45 | Sri Lanka- 33 | NR- 1 | Tie- 1

SA vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, Henrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi/ Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

SL Playing XI

Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha

See Also: https://cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/crickets-biggest-event-kicks-off-as-a-generation-faces-off

SA vs SL Key Players

Henrich Klaasen

Henrich Klaasen had a really good time facing spin in the IPL. He knows how to play the slow bowlers well and is in murderous form, taking on bowlers with ease in the middle-overs. Small boundaries will give him all the more license to go for it with a lot more ease.

Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka has hardly been able to buy a run in the last six months. His average continues to drop. Sri Lanka though has a habit of turning up when it matters most and it may not be a big surprise if Dasun Shanaka produces something special with the bat as the tournament goes on.

SA vs SL Match Tips

South Africa tends to struggle in World Cups while Sri Lanka comes into World Cups full of spirits. With two decent sides a dog fight could be on the cards and in such a scenario Sri Lanka may edge past South Africa unless South Africa takes advantage of the flat tracks and small boundaries.

Match Prediction: Sri Lanka Will Win the Match