Sports Desk
3 June
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a dominant performance during the fourth match of the T-20 World Cup on Monday, South Africa secured a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. The match featured stellar bowling from Enrique Nortje, who took four wickets for just seven runs, setting the stage for a relatively easy chase.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, South Africa quickly put Sri Lanka on the back foot. Nortje’s exceptional spell dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total. His precise and aggressive bowling left the Sri Lankan batsmen struggling, ensuring they never found their footing.
Chasing a small target, South Africa started steadily. Openers Henrik Klaassen and Quinton de Kock laid the foundation with a 20-run partnership. Despite losing captain Aden Markram for 12 runs in the fifth over, South Africa remained on track. Quinton de Kock’s 20 runs provided further stability until he was dismissed in the 11th over, leaving South Africa at 51 for 3.
Sri Lankan bowlers made a valiant effort to defend their total, with Wanindu Hasaranga taking two crucial wickets and Nuwan Tushara and Dasun Shanaka each claiming one. Their disciplined bowling kept the South African batsmen in check and ensured that the chase was not a walk in the park.
Tristan Stubbs fell for 13 runs, but Henrik Klaassen’s unbeaten 19 runs and David Miller’s six helped South Africa inch closer to the target. In the 16th over, Miller sealed the victory by hitting a boundary, ensuring South Africa started their World Cup campaign on a high note.
South Africa’s clinical performance, highlighted by Nortje’s devastating bowling and Klaassen’s steady batting, showcased their potential in the tournament. Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka’s bowlers displayed commendable resilience, suggesting they could pose a challenge in future matches.
This victory will boost South Africa’s confidence as they look ahead to their next fixtures, aiming to build on their winning momentum.