SA vs SL: South Africa kick off T20 World Cup journey with victory over Sri Lanka

South Africa have easily defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets while chasing a low total of 77 runs in the first T20 World Cup 2024 encounter for both sides at New York's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

The Proteas chased the target of 78 in the 17th over. Quinton de Kock was the top-scorer for South Africa, making 20 off 27. Heinrich Klassen remained unbeaten on 19*.

Earlier, South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for mere 77 runs after the Lions opted to bat first.

In a dismal batting performance, Sri Lanka's top order crumbled under the fierce South African bowling attack. Pathum Nissanka, opening the innings, fell cheaply, caught by Heinrich Klaasen off Ottneil Baartman Baartman for just 3 runs.

Kusal Mendis showed some resilience, scoring 19 runs off 30 balls, but his efforts ended with Anrich Nortje dismissing him. Kamindu Mendis also struggled, contributing only 11 runs.

Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and Sadeera Samarawickrama both departed without scoring. Charith Asalanka managed just 6 runs before falling to Nortje, leaving the team in a dire state.

Angelo Mathews provided a glimmer of hope with an unbeaten 16, including two sixes, but it was too little to salvage the innings. Dasun Shanaka's 9 runs were also not enough.

Nortje bagged impressive figures of 4/7 while Keshav Maharaj took 2/22. Kagiso Rabada ended with figures for 2/21.

Playing XIs

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, Ottneil Baartman

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