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.

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

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

SL vs SA Match Preview

One of the most anticipated clashes in the first week of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has arrived, with Sri Lanka facing South Africa in Group D. Both teams are going to be tactically sound and execute their skills flawlessly on the field. Sri Lanka’s spin bowling will attempt to pin down the explosive South African batting line-up, while South Africa will hope to maintain their cool and composure when under pressure and execute their skills effectively to overcome this challenge. For some reason, South Africa frequently becomes weaker and loses its invincibility when an intense tournament like the World Cup arrives. But they’ll be determined to change the narrative in this year’s tournament.

SL vs SA Match Details

Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 4th Match, T20 World Cup 2024

Venue: Nassau County Cricket Stadium – New York

Date & Time: 03rd June 2024 at 08:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

SL vs SA Venue Stats

SL vs SA Pitch Report

The initial warm-up match between India and Bangladesh at the same location, two days before this match, will indicate the size of the first-innings total required to be competitive at this venue.

SL vs SA Weather Report

Rain is expected in New York on matchday. This could be useful if the team is chasing an adjusting target.

SL vs SA Last Five Matches

SL vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, warm-up wrap: India vs Bangladesh

SL vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera

Topmost Picks for SL vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka- He is an opening batter who has already scored 10 half-centuries in T20I cricket. He reads conditions quickly and well.would have to support his team to get this first win for his team.
• Wanindu Hasaranga- For a world-class leg-spinner and all-rounder, select the Sri Lanka captain. Anticipate a telling showing from this talisman.

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

Heinrich Klaasen(C), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Matheesha Pathirana(VC)

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

Heinrich Klaasen, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock(VC), Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga(C), Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Heinrich Klaasen, Wanindu Hasaranga

Vice-captain – Matheesha Pathirana, Quinton de Kock

Wicketkeeper – Heinrich Klaasen

SL vs SA Probable Winners:

South Africa appears to be in better shape to win this tournament than Sri Lanka. The Proteas’ striking resources are stronger. Their bowling department is likely to have more depth than Sri Lanka’s. South Africa is the more powerful team on paper, but if they believe they can compete like one, they will be unstoppable. South Africa possesses superior batting and bowling resources. But they will need strong performances from their key figures. The Proteas are better positioned to win this match than Sri Lanka. Considering the team combination, South Africa are expected to win this match.