Ottneil Baartman etched his name into South African cricket history on Monday (June 3), taking a wicket off the very first ball of his opening over in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 match against Sri Lanka at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Early Strike for Ottneil Baartman

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat first, faced an immediate setback as Pathum Nissanka fell victim to Baartman’s brilliance. The Sri Lankan opener, looking to break free, attempted a powerful off-drive off a fulish delivery outside off stump. However, the ball took a thick edge and flew comfortably into the hands of Heinrich Klaasen at deep third, dismissing Nissanka for just 3 runs off 8 deliveries.

This remarkable feat by Baartman marks a first for South Africa in the T20 World Cup. Never before has a South African bowler managed to pick up a wicket on the very first ball of their opening over in the prestigious tournament. This impressive start by Baartman has undoubtedly bolstered South Africa’s spirits and sent a message to the Sri Lankan batting line-up.

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

Till the end of the tenth over, half of the Sri Lankan side was in the dugout. They were reeling at 40/5, with Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka in the middle.

Lowest total for Sri Lanka after first 10 overs in T20Is

40/5 vs South Africa – New York, 2024
42/2 vs India – Colombo, 2021
43/7 vs Australia – Cape Town, 2007

SL vs SA: Playing XI of both teams

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottniel Baartman

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

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

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