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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on June 3, 2024
T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka post lowest T20I total as South Africa pacers steam through; Nortje breaks Steyn’s decade-old record
Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje was the pick of the bowlers and finished with bowling figures of 4-0-7-4, beating Dale Steyn's record for the most economical spell by a pacer at the T20 World Cup from the 2014 edition - 4-0-9-1.
South Africa's Anrich Nortje, left, celebrates with a teammate after the dismissal of Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Westbury, New York, Monday, June 3, 2024. (AP/PTI)
In what was the first-ever T20I at the Nassau Cricket Stadium in New York, South Africa bundled Sri Lanka for 77 – their lowest total in the format. South Africa in return, chased down the total with six wickets in hand and 22 balls to spare.
Having won the toss and opted to bat first, the Lankan batters were only able to score three fours and as many sixes. Other than Kusal Mendis (19), Kamindu Mendis (11) and Angelo Mathews (16), no other Lankan batter was able to score in double figures as the Proteas pacers ran riot.
Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje was the pick of the bowlers and finished with bowling figures of 4-0-7-4, beating Dale Steyn’s record for the most economical spell by a pacer at the T20 World Cup from the 2014 edition – 4-0-9-1.
Lowest total by a full-member nation at T20 WC
| Total | Team |
| 55 | ENG vs WI, Dubai 2021 |
| 60 | NZ vs SL, Chattogram 2014 |
| 70 | BAN vs NZ, Kolkata 2016 |
| 72 | BAN vs AUS, Dubai 2021 |
| 77 | SL vs SA, New York 2024 |
“He’s a world class player,” said Ottniel Baartman, who was playing in his first T20 World Cup match and snapped a wicket off his very first delivery, conceding only nine runs from his quota to equal Steyn’s figures.
“Quicks allowed him to settle in. Glad for him. The way the guys handled things was phenomenal. The way Aiden marshalled the troops was exceptional. There is some movement for seamers, but if you apply yourself… It is a dream come true. Making debut for T20 World Cup is exceptional,” Baartman added.
Kagiso Rabada was also among the wicket takers and struck twice off his four overs as did Keshav Maharaj.
Earlier on Monday, the tournament’s Group B opener saw Namibia and Oman play another low-scoring thriller that went to a Super Over with the former eventually emerging victorious.
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