Nortje skittles Sri Lanka for 77: 2024 T20 World Cup (New York)

Paceman Anrich Nortje bowled with sustained fire as he took four wickets for just seven runs to knock over Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams’ T20 World Cup opener.

This was the first ever international at Nassau Stadium in New York. The drop in pitch led to a two paced surface.

Amidst the carnage, Kusal Mendis (19) and veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) were the only Sri Lanka batsmen to pass 15.

In reply, South Africa were made to work hard in running down a target of 78. It took them 16.2 overs with Quinton de Kock batting for an hour for 20, which was the top score on either side.

South Africa 80 for 4 (De Kock 20, Hasaranga 2-22, Shanaka 1-6) beat Sri Lanka 77 (Nortje 4-7, Rabada 2-21, Maharaj 2-22, Baartman 1-9) by six wickets.

June 2024.