Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 77 Runs by Nortje's Fury

In the ninth edition of the World Cup, this match was touted as the first major clash. Former world champions faced off against a strong South African side. With Bangladesh also in the same group, this match piqued the interest of Tigers' supporters. South Africa's dismantling of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in New York has likely heightened their concerns. Anrich Nortje’s ferocious spell saw Sri Lanka fall short of even 100 runs.

On Monday, June 3, at Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss but was bowled out for a mere 77 runs. Despite the Lankan innings lasting 19.1 overs, they managed a run rate of just over four per over. Only three Sri Lankan batsmen reached double figures, with three of them returning to the pavilion without scoring.

Nassau County's pitch offers some assistance to bowlers, as seen in the Bangladesh-India warm-up match. The Indian batsmen adapted well, posting a substantial total, whereas the Bangladeshi batsmen struggled with their timing.

Sri Lanka faced similar issues today. Opting to bat, they had difficulty connecting with the ball. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis were slow to score. At 13 runs, Nissanka was caught behind off Bartman’s delivery, having scored just 3 runs off 8 balls.

Another opener, Kusal Mendis, struggled to score against the Proteas pacers, playing at a near-Test match pace. Kamindu Mendis was dismissed by Nortje after scoring 11 runs off 15 balls.

In the next over, Keshav Maharaj took the wickets of Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga and Sadeera Samarawickrama with consecutive balls. Both were dismissed without scoring, leaving Sri Lanka at 32/4 in 8.3 overs.

Kusal Mendis' battle ended in the next over, his gritty innings of 19 runs off 30 balls concluding as he fell to Nortje, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 40/5 after 10 overs.

The second half of the innings followed a similar pattern, with Sri Lanka losing wickets at regular intervals. Charith Asalanka was dismissed at 45 runs.

Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka attempted a small recovery, adding 23 runs. Shanaka was dismissed for 9 runs off 10 balls by Rabada at 68 runs. Mathews fell in the following over, scoring 16 runs off 16 balls before becoming Nortje's third victim.

Sri Lanka lost their remaining two wickets while adding just 7 more runs. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara were both dismissed without scoring. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten with 7 runs off 16 balls.

For South Africa, Anrich Nortje took 4 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj each took 2 wickets, conceding 21 and 22 runs, respectively. Bartman bowled 4 overs, giving away only 9 runs and taking 1 wicket.