South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by a convincing 6-wicket margin on the Nassau County Worldwide Cricket Stadium in New York on Monday (June 3). South Africa’s opening victory within the T20 World Cup 2024 was constructed on the again of a fiery bowling efficiency, spearheaded by the unplayable Anrich Nortje.
Sri Lanka Flops with the Bat
Sri Lanka, who elected to bat first after successful the toss, have been bundled out for a meagre 77 runs in simply 19.1 overs. Their batting line-up merely couldn’t deal with the tempo and accuracy of the South African bowling assault. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis fell cheaply, setting the tone for a disappointing batting show. Solely Angelo Mathews (16 runs) might present some resistance in opposition to the Proteas assault.
Anrich Nortje Wreaks Havoc
The architect of Sri Lanka’s demise was the specific quick bowler Anrich Nortje. He ripped by way of the Sri Lankan batting order, choosing up a career-best haul of 4 wickets for simply 7 runs in his 4 overs. His uncooked tempo and swing proved an excessive amount of for the Sri Lankan batsmen, who have been constantly troubled by his deliveries. Kagiso Rabada (2 wickets), Keshav Maharaj (2 wickets) and Ottneil Baartman (1 wicket) supplied glorious help, making certain Sri Lanka by no means recovered from their early hunch.
South Africa Chase with Ease
Chasing a modest goal of 78 runs, South Africa barely encountered any bother. Whereas they misplaced a couple of wickets alongside the way in which, their opening batter Quinton de Kock (20 runs) supplied a steady basis. Heinrich Klaasen (19 not out) and David Miller (6 not out) ensured a easy chase, guiding the Proteas dwelling comfortably in simply 16.2 overs.
Nortje’s File-Breaking Efficiency
Nortje’s excellent bowling show not solely earned him the Participant of the Match award but additionally noticed him etch his title into the document books. His figures of 4/7 surpassed the earlier greatest for a South African bowler in a T20 World Cup match, solidifying his place as a drive to be reckoned with within the event.
Dominant Begin for the Proteas
This complete victory serves as a powerful warning to different groups within the competitors. South Africa’s bowling assault displayed distinctive management and aggression, whereas their batting line-up showcased their potential to chase down totals with composure. With all departments firing on all cylinders, the Proteas have positioned themselves as severe contenders for the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.
Additionally READ: T20 World Cup 2024 [Photos] – Meet the wives and girlfriends of South African cricketers
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
ANRICH NORTJE – Finest bowling spell by a South African in T20I World Cup Historical past 🏆 pic.twitter.com/82BY6c6w0W
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 3, 2024
ANRICH NORTJE – 4-0-7-4. 🤯🔥
– Probably the most outrageous spells by a South African! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/oHVI2gW9NB
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 3, 2024
🔥 Nothing however rockets. #SLvSA
Anrich Nortje with a formidable show of tempo bowling! #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/H4613PG2ep
— Proteas Males (@ProteasMenCSA) June 3, 2024
THIS IS NORTJE AT HIS BEST. ⚡️
He was affected by harm. He was dominated out of IPL. He had expensive bowlinng figures in some video games. Even his place within the WC squad was not sure.
And he got here again with a BANG straightaway. Finest bowling figures within the historical past of SA cricket. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gzHl54CFD1
— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) June 3, 2024
Anrich Nortje obtained a number of flack off late and it was kinda justified,respectfully in fact. He ought to completely be given credit score for a way he has bounced again. That takes some kind of elite mentality to maintain believing in your self and your potential 👌🙌👊#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/namTInjzAK
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) June 3, 2024
Anrich Nortje data essentially the most economical 4-over spell in T20 World Cup historical past#cricket #T20WorldCup #SLvSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/r0tXcdLDPi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 3, 2024
Anrich Nortje At this time vs Sri Lanka. 🔥
4️⃣-0️⃣-7️⃣-4️⃣#T20WorldCup #SAvsSL pic.twitter.com/SYTkMNQsjD
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) June 3, 2024
Most 4fers in T20WC
3 – Anrich Nortje*
3 – Saeed Ajmal
3 – Shakib Al Hasan
2 – Morne Morkel
2 – Ajantha Mendis
2 – Mustafizur Rahman
2 – Shahid Afridi
2 – Umar Gul pic.twitter.com/R9MQhnHGNI— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) June 3, 2024
ANRICH NORTJE BOWLED BEST BOWLING FOR SOUTH AFRICA IN T20 WORLD CUP HISTORY:
– 7/4 in 4 Overs. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/dI0DGXtroP
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 3, 2024
Anrich Nortje delivered the profession greatest determine for South Africa in T20 World Cup historical past.
By figuring out their observe document, they’ll look invisible and can appear like a staff to beat till the knockout. pic.twitter.com/ijRDkHbtzM
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) June 3, 2024
Anrich Nortje: 4-0-7-4
What an impressive spell. Really damaging bowling. pic.twitter.com/JfSG526PHj
— Heisenberg (@rovvmut_) June 3, 2024
Additionally READ: Ottneil Baartman creates a brand new document for South Africa in T20 World Cup conflict in opposition to Sri Lanka