South Africa thrashed Sri Lanka by a convincing 6-wicket margin at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Monday (June 3). South Africa’s opening victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 was built on the back of a fiery bowling performance, spearheaded by the unplayable Anrich Nortje.

Sri Lanka Flops with the Bat

Sri Lanka, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, were bundled out for a meagre 77 runs in just 19.1 overs. Their batting line-up simply couldn’t handle the pace and accuracy of the South African bowling attack. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis fell cheaply, setting the tone for a disappointing batting display. Only Angelo Mathews (16 runs) could show some resistance against the Proteas attack.

Anrich Nortje Wreaks Havoc

The architect of Sri Lanka’s demise was the express fast bowler Anrich Nortje. He ripped through the Sri Lankan batting order, picking up a career-best haul of 4 wickets for just 7 runs in his four overs. His raw pace and swing proved too much for the Sri Lankan batsmen, who were consistently troubled by his deliveries. Kagiso Rabada (2 wickets), Keshav Maharaj (2 wickets) and Ottneil Baartman (1 wicket) provided excellent support, ensuring Sri Lanka never recovered from their early slump.

South Africa Chase with Ease

Chasing a modest target of 78 runs, South Africa barely encountered any trouble. While they lost a few wickets along the way, their opening batter Quinton de Kock (20 runs) provided a stable foundation. Heinrich Klaasen (19 not out) and David Miller (6 not out) ensured a smooth chase, guiding the Proteas home comfortably in just 16.2 overs.

Nortje’s Record-Breaking Performance

Nortje’s outstanding bowling display not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also saw him etch his name into the record books. His figures of 4/7 surpassed the previous best for a South African bowler in a T20 World Cup match, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

Dominant Start for the Proteas

This comprehensive victory serves as a strong warning to other teams in the competition. South Africa’s bowling attack displayed exceptional control and aggression, while their batting line-up showcased their ability to chase down totals with composure. With all departments firing on all cylinders, the Proteas have positioned themselves as serious contenders for the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 [Photos] – Meet the wives and girlfriends of South African cricketers

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

ANRICH NORTJE – Best bowling spell by a South African in T20I World Cup History 🏆 pic.twitter.com/82BY6c6w0W

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 3, 2024

ANRICH NORTJE – 4-0-7-4. 🤯🔥

– One of the most outrageous spells by a South African! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/oHVI2gW9NB

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 3, 2024

🔥 Nothing but rockets. #SLvSA

Anrich Nortje with an impressive display of pace bowling! #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/H4613PG2ep

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 3, 2024

THIS IS NORTJE AT HIS BEST. ⚡️

He was suffering from injury. He was ruled out of IPL. He had costly bowlinng figures in some games. Even his place in the WC squad was unsure.

And he came back with a BANG straightaway. Best bowling figures in the history of SA cricket. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gzHl54CFD1

— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) June 3, 2024

Anrich Nortje received a lot of flack off late and it was kinda justified,respectfully of course. He should absolutely be given credit for how he has bounced back. That takes some sort of elite mentality to keep believing in yourself and your ability 👌🙌👊#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/namTInjzAK

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) June 3, 2024

Anrich Nortje records the most economical 4-over spell in T20 World Cup history#cricket #T20WorldCup #SLvSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/r0tXcdLDPi

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 3, 2024

Anrich Nortje Today 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 career best figure for South Africa in T20 World Cup history.

By knowing their track record, they will look invisible and will look like a team to beat until the knockout. pic.twitter.com/ijRDkHbtzM

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) June 3, 2024

Anrich Nortje: 4-0-7-4

What an outstanding spell. Truly destructive bowling. pic.twitter.com/JfSG526PHj

— Heisenberg (@rovvmut_) June 3, 2024

Also READ: Ottneil Baartman creates a new record for South Africa in T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka

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