In the fourth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa triumphed over Sri Lanka by six wickets, marking a successful start to their campaign.
Match Details:
- Venue: The match was held on Monday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, USA.
- Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first.
Sri Lanka’s Innings:
Sri Lanka set a target of 77 runs after batting first.
- Early Setback: The team lost their first wicket on the first ball of the fourth over with a total score of 13 runs. Opener Pathum Nissanka managed to score only 3 runs before getting out.
- Middle Order Struggles: Kusal Mendis scored 19 runs and Angelo Mathews added 16 runs, being the only notable scorers. Meanwhile, Kamindu Mendis scored 11 runs. Key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Sadeera Samarawickrama failed to score and got out for ducks.
- Collapse: The South African bowlers kept the pressure, with nine Sri Lankan batsmen failing to reach double figures, leading to a total score of 76 runs.
South Africa’s Bowling Performance:
- Enrique Nortje: Led the bowling attack with four wickets.
- Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada: Each took two wickets.
- Ottniel Baartman: Contributed with one wicket.
South Africa’s Innings:
Chasing the target, South Africa reached 80 runs for the loss of four wickets in the 17th over.
- Top Order: Despite an early setback with a wicket lost at 10 runs, Quinton de Kock scored 20 runs and Reza Hendricks added 4 runs.
- Middle Order Contributions: Aiden Markram scored 12 runs, while Tristan Stubbs added 13 runs.
- Finishers: Heinrich Klaasen (19* runs) and David Miller (6* runs) remained unbeaten, guiding the team to victory.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Efforts:
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Took 2 wickets.
- Chamika Karunaratne and Dasun Shanaka: Each secured one wicket.
Summary:
South Africa comfortably chased the target set by Sri Lanka, marking their first win in the tournament. The match showcased South Africa’s balanced performance in both bowling and batting, whereas Sri Lanka struggled to build a competitive total.
Additional Highlights:
- Previous Matches: Earlier on Monday, the third match of the T20 World Cup between Oman and Namibia ended in a tie, leading to a Super Over where Namibia emerged victorious.
- Tournament Structure: The ICC T20 World Cup 2024, hosted in the USA and West Indies, features 20 teams competing across 9 venues in a total of 55 matches.
South Africa’s decisive victory over Sri Lanka sets a promising tone for their journey in the tournament, while Sri Lanka will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.