Sri Lanka vs South Africa ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024 Full Scorecard

FOUR! Done and dusted! South Africa win their first game and begin their T20 World Cup campaign on a positive note after huffing and puffing a bit on a tricky surface to chase a paltry score. Wanindu Hasaranga offers a dolly full toss on the stumps, David Miller skips down the track and smashes it down the ground, the ball beats the chasing long on fielder and breaches the fence to wrap things up in style.

Short and outside off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it off the back foot towards deep extra covers for one.

An appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Wanindu Hasaranga straightaway challenges the on-field decision and sends it upstairs. Maheesh Theekshana bowls a carrom ball on a flatter trajectory, quicker as well, on a length and keeps way low on the bounce on the leg stump line, David Miller is back into the crease and looks to tuck it away, but gets a ping on the front pad. The UltraEdge comes up and shows that no bat is involved. Ball Tracking confirms that the ball is pitching outside leg.

Short and quick, turning in from off, Heinrich Klaasen pulls it over square leg for a single.

Good length, outside off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it off the back foot straight to covers.

On a flatter trajectory, comes quicker on the bat on a length, David Miller reads the length and pace before pulling it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Short in length and on the middle and off-channel, Heinrich Klaasen backs away and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Flattens it on a length, on top of off, Heinrich Klaasen rocks back quickly and punches it back to the bowler.

Fuller in length, and on off, David Miller goes deep inside the crease and drives it straight back to the bowler to end the over. Just 6 needed now.

Short and just outside off, Heinrich Klaasen pulls it solidly to widish deep mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Down the ground and now Klaasen's in a hurry! Drops it right underneath the bat on the stumps, Heinrich Klaasen clears his front leg and spanks the ball, picking the bones of out it, straight down the ground over the bowler's head for a cracking four.

SIX! BOOM! A pressure release hit by Heinrich Klaasen! Not quite the correct option by Wanindu Hasaranga, loopy delivery and right in the slot, on middle, Heinrich Klaasen clears his front leg and winds up before tonking it over long on for a biggie.

Good effort off his own bowling! On a nagging length, on off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it firmly to the left of the bowler. Hasaranga dives to that side and cuts it off.

Slower through the air and shorter, on off, Heinrich Klaasen checks his shot and pushes it to cover.

Another excellent yorker! Nails the yorker, at the base of the middle stump, Heinrich Klaasen is equal to the task though as he jams it out beside the pitch on the leg side for one. 17 more needed.

At 151.1 kph, full and angling into the pads, David Miller gets his bat out in front of the pads and rolls his wrists to clip it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Tailing into the stumps, on a yorker length, Heinrich Klaasen looks to play at it but gets an inside edge that rolls down to fine leg for one.

Gets the yorker in, outside off, Heinrich Klaasen squeezes it out with an open bat face towards backward point where Sadeera Samarawickrama dives to his left and prevents the single.

Almost chipped it straight to cover! A hint of away movement, on a nagging length, on off, Heinrich Klaasen lets his hands flow into the shot and pushes it uppishly. Luckily for him, the ball lands in front of cover.

Serves it in the channel on off, on a good length, the ball stops in the surface. Heinrich Klaasen waits on it and pats it to cover.

Attacks the pads with a leg-break, full as well, David Miller presses forward and works it with the turn to square leg.

David Miller walks out at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sharp catch by Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga strikes in successive overs. Loops it up nicely and offers a bit of width on off. Tristan Stubbs gets his weight on the front foot and tries to cash in on the width. Creams the drive off the front foot but hits it flat and straight to cover where Charith Asalanka reacts quickly and makes a tough catch look easy, diving low to his left. A few inches to the left or right would have been a boundary for Stubbs.

Dishes out a googly, slower as well, on off, Tristan Stubbs goes for the big shot but the ball is not full enough. Checks his shot and dabs it to point.

Drops it short, on off, Heinrich Klaasen slaps it off the back foot and it goes on the bounce to long on. They cross.

On a nagging length, turning away, on middle, played with the turn to mid-wicket by Heinrich Klaasen.

Floats it up, full and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen gets half-forward and blocks it out.

A sharp and quick bumper, around off, Tristan Stubbs sways away from the line of the ball and lets it pass.

Misses his mark does Matheesha Pathirana and slips in a low full toss, at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Oh, wow! Heinrich Klaasen does just enough to get some bat on it. At 151 kph, toe-crushing yorker, on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen gets rushed as he looks to bring his bat down. He falls off his feet but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Hurls it on a fullish length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs reaches out and drives it through covers for a single.

An optimistic shout for LBW but that is clearly going down leg. Goes fuller in length but the line is around the pads, Heinrich Klaasen gets beaten for pace as he attempts the flick. Gets pinged on the front pad and it rolls down to fine leg for a leg bye.

Hurls it on a back of a length, outside off, Heinrich Klaasen hops back and drops his wrists to let the ball go.

Drops the length back and it is the googly, on off, Heinrich Klaasen picks it early and gets on the back foot to punch it down to long off for a run.

Heinrich Klaasen is in at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Quinton de Kock is crossed with himself with the manner of his dismissal. Wanindu Hasaranga stays around the wicket and pulls the length back slightly, on middle, Quinton de Kock strides ahead and looks to push it back past the bowler. The ball stops in the surface a bit and de Kock ends up chipping it straight back towards the bowler. Wanindu Hasaranga takes it to his left safely.

At the stumps and keeps it full, Quinton de Kock presses forward and stabs it down the deck.

Loops it up and goes full as well, Quinton de Kock presses forward and taps it with soft hands in front of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Dishes out a googly but it is way too short, on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs helps it behind square on the leg side for a run.

Starts off with a flighted delivery, on middle, Quinton de Kock gets on the front foot and clips it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

On off, on a fuller length at 151 kph, Quinton de Kock plants his front ahead and confidently knocks it through covers for a single to end the over. Halfway done and South Africa are 47/2.

Drinks break! This has been an engrossing first half of the chase and Sri Lanka have done well not to let South Africa motor towards the target. Their pacers have kept things quiet and have asked all the right questions of the Proteas batters but they haven't managed to pick wickets at regular intervals though.  Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs have weathered the storm and are dealing in singles nicely to keep the scoreboard ticking and not let the pressure get to them.

WIDE! Vicious bumper over the head of the southpaw, Quinton de Kock is in no mood to look at it. Wided.

Full and straight, curving into the batter a fraction, Tristan Stubbs plays with a straight bat towards mid on where Angelo Mathews is a bit late to pick the ball and the batters alertly take a single.

Short, wide of off, Quinton de Kock climbs on the bounce and cuts it towards deep backward point for a single.

At 150 kph, on the length, it takes off from the surface outside off, Quinton de Kock is beaten on the outside edge again.

Hits the hard length, angling away with that lateral movement from outside off, Quinton de Kock stays rooted in the crease and plays a lazy shot. The ball just flirts past his outside edge.

Steams in from over the wicket, on the length at the leg stump line, Tristan Stubbs flicks it nicely along the ground towards backward square leg for a single.

Hard length, angling on off, Tristan Stubbs punches it off the back foot towards mid on and robs a quick single to end the over.

Fuller in length, on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock watches it closely and flicks it with his wrists towards deep square leg for a single.

Outside off, on a length, Tristan Stubbs slices it half-squatting at it through cover-point for an easy single.

Almost a half-tracker on the off-stump line, Tristan Stubbs charges down the ground but the ball is too closer to drive it away, he knocks it back to the bowler.

Pulls his length a bit on off, Tristan Stubbs camps back and bunts it underneath the bat off the back foot.

Full and angling on the middle and off, Tristan Stubbs presents the full face of the willow and solidly drives it but fails to find the gap between mid off and covers.

On a good length, on off, Quinton de Kock pushes it towards covers for no run.

SIX! That's a typical QDK pull shot! Angelo Mathews lands this one short in length, and on the middle and leg corridor, Quinton de Kock has all the time in the world as he transfers his weight on the back foot, and creates a strong base for himself before pulling it well over deep square leg for a maximum.

On the nagging length, swinging away from outside off, Tristan Stubbs guides it down to deep third for one.

Almost chopped on! An away swinger outside off, Tristan Stubbs pokes at it and gets an inside edge on his back leg.

Drop and run! Pitches it on a length, on off, Quinton de Kock gets on the front foot and pats it beside the pitch on the off side for a quick single.

Bowls at a gentle pace outside off, on a length, Tristan Stubbs inside edges on the drive and the ball reaches to the keeper on a bounce but he fails to cleanly collect it which allows the batters to cross for a single.

Back of a length on the body, Tristan Stubbs tucks it in the square leg region for a single.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Tristan Stubbs works it wide of mid on and retains the strike with a single.

Fuller in length and outside off, at 125 kph, Tristan Stubbs leans into it and mistimes the drive to mid off.

Short of good length on leg, Quinton de Kock inside edges on his back leg and fetches a quick run as the ball rolls in front of covers.

Straight and on the good length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs covers his off stump, gets his front foot ahead and knocks it solidly towards the right of backward point for a quick single.

Feeds him on the leg stump line, full in length, Tristan Stubbs flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Attacks the off stump on a fuller length, with a bit of an away movement, Tristan Stubbs presents the full face of the bat but gets it off the thickish inside edge towards short mid-wicket for a single to end the over. End of the mandatory Powerplay and South Africa are 27/2.

Nice tight line and length, in the corridor of uncertainty. It again keeps low on the bounce, Tristan Stubbs gets squared up and the ball beats his outside edge, and dies before reaching to the keeper on a couple of bounces.

Back of a length again, but down the leg stump line this time, Tristan Stubbs fails to tickle it to the leg side and the ball brushes off his front thigh pad and rolls towards deep fine for two leg byes.

On the back of a length, moving it in a fraction from off, Quinton de Kock plays it closer to the body and knocks it in front of covers for a quick single.

Bowls fuller in length and keeps the line on the stumps, Quinton de Kock slaps it down the ground where Wanindu Hasaranga stops it moving to his right from mid on.

Over the wicket, outside off on a length, it dramatically keeps low on the bounce and beats the inside edge of Quinton de Kock who tries to slash it away to the off side. The ball dies before reaching to the keeper who collects it by bending low to his right.

OH, NO! DROPPED! Kusal Mendis puts it down! Sri Lanka cannot afford this! Dasun Shanaka hits the deck hard and gets the ball to seam away off the deck, outside off, Tristan Stubbs stays on the back foot and looks to punch it through the off side. Plays away from his body and gets an outside edge that goes low to the right of the keeper. Kusal Mendis dives to his right but goes at it with hard hands and it pops out of his mitts.

Serves it at 125.1 kph, on a short of a good length, a hint of inward movement, Tristan Stubbs adjusts well and pushes it to cover.

Delivers it on a hard length, on off, Tristan Stubbs stands tall and blocks it out from the crease solidly.

WIDE! There looked to be a deflection but the umpire has signalled a wide. Kusal Mendis takes it diving away to his left and Sri Lanka think the deflection is off the bat. Wanindu Hasaranga takes the review but the UltraEdge shows that the ball had flicked the pads and there was no bat involved. Strays on the pads, on a back of a length, Tristan Stubbs is late on the tickle but misses to get any bat on it. Worth a review though.

Tristan Stubbs is in at number 4.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Dasun Shanaka strikes now and Sri Lanka aren't going to go down without a fight! Gets the ball to angle back into the right-hander, on a short of a good length, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram shapes up to work it off his pads. The ball pitches and nips away. Squares Markram up completely and the ball catches the leading edge of the bat. It goes to the first slip where Kamindu Mendis dives low to his right and takes it.

Starts from over the wicket and bangs it on a hard length, around off, Aiden Markram stays back in his crease and defends it right under his eyeline.

Gets the yorker in nicely, just outside off, Quinton de Kock reacts well and squeezes it out off the toe-end of the bat back to the bowler.

Halt! Kusal Mendis has taken a blow on his hand as the ball died well before reaching his gloves and looks it a bit of pain. But nothing to worry about as he looks good to continue.

Beaten! At 133.1 kph, full and just outside off, Quinton de Kock goes for an expansive drive but the ball nips in a bit and stays low as well. It goes on the bounce to the keeper, Kusal Mendis who takes a hit on the fingertips of his right hand.

Drags the length back and angles it in, around the pads, Aiden Markram gets on his toes and turns this one through square leg to rotate the strike.

Drifts on the pads and the length stays full, Aiden Markram brings his wrists into play and flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

SIX! Class written all over it! Thushara gets away shape on this one but ends up offering width on off and it is fuller as well, Aiden Markram gets his weight on the front foot, frees his arms and with a still head, carves it over cover for a maximum.

Goes full and straight, at the stumps, Aiden Markram gets his bat out in front and pushes it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

This one goes the other way, in the corridor of off, on a good length, Aiden Markram extends his arms and drives it square to deep point for one. End of a testing over from Mathews.

There's that nip-backer again, on a good length, on off and middle, Aiden Markram watchfully covers the line of the ball and dead-bats it down the wicket.

Slanting into the right-hander, on a back of a length, on the pads, Aiden Markram hops back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Halt! That must have hit him right in the box and Aiden Markram is on the ground agonizing in pain. He is getting the requisite treatment as the physio is out in no time. Also, gets some hydration. He is up and looks good to continue now.

Ouch, Aiden Markram cops a blow flush on the box! Nipping into the batter, on a hard length, Aiden Markram advances again to get momentum into the shot and looks to go back over the bowler's head. The ball seams back in sharply and rises a bit to hit Markram on the box. Markram is down on his haunches and the physio makes his way out to attend to him.

An absolute beauty! At 121 kph, on a back of a length, on off, Aiden Markram uses his feet and tries to keep it out with a straight bat. The ball seams away off the deck and whizzes past the bat.

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, Aiden Markram hangs back and rides the bounce well to defend it in front of cover.

Swinging away, on a fullish length, on off, Aiden Markram presents a high elbow and pushes it to the left of Wanindu Hasaranga at mid off for a run.

Pitches it up right up in search of swing, on middle, Quinton de Kock clips it wide of mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Strays on the pads, on a length, Aiden Markram rolls his wrists and nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Aiden Markram is in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Proper Test match line by Nuwan Thushara and he gets the reward!  Drags his length back and serves it on a good length, in the channel on off. Reeza Hendricks stays rooted in his crease and plays a nothing shot as he tentatively pushes at the delivery away from his body. Gets an outside edge that flies straight to Kamindu Mendis at first slip who takes a sharp catch to his left.

Almost chopped it back onto the stumps! Nails the yorker around the base of the off-stump, Quinton de Kock is a bit late to get his bat down but does enough. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps for a single.

Tailing back in, on a fullish length, on middle, Quinton de Kock clears his front leg and hacks across the line. Hits it to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

NO BALL! False start from Nuwan Thushara! Goes searching for the yorker but ends up serving a beamer, outside off. Quinton de Kock lets it go. Free Hit coming up.

Nuwan Thushara to operate from the other end.

FOUR! Reeza Hendricks gets off the mark in streaky fashion! This is in the channel on off and shaping away, on a good length, Reeza Hendricks pushes at the delivery away from his body. Gets a thickish outside edge that races through backward point for a boundary.

Angling across, on a short of a good length, outside off, Quinton de Kock frees his arms and cuts it towards deep backward point. Gets a single to open his account.

WIDE! Angelo Mathews loses his radar and South Africa are underway through extras! Slips it down leg, on a back of a length, Quinton de Kock misses the tickle but Kusal Mendis does well to dive to his right and make the stop.

Pulls his length back slightly and bowls it on middle, Quinton de Kock waits on the back foot and whips it with the swing towards mid-wicket where Dasun Shanaka makes a diving stop. Four dots on the trot to start with.

Keeps it around the off-stump line, a bit fuller and going away, Quinton de Kock presses forward and stabs it down the deck.

Gets the ball to shape away from the left-hander, on a back of a length, Quinton de Kock reads it well and dabs it square to point.

Mathews starts off from over the wicket and gets a hint of inward movement, on a length, on the fifth stump line, Quinton de Kock goes back in his crease and blocks it out solidly with a straight bat.

OUT! RUN OUT! A suicidal second run and Sri Lanka have been bowled out for just 77, their lowest score in T20I cricket. Marco Jansen steams in from over the wicket and hurls it on the back of a length, over middle, Maheesh Theekshana backs away and slaps it back over the bowler's head. It is not hit off the middle of the bat and it goes only as far as the ring down the ground. Maheesh Theekshana wants to stay on strike and calls Nuwan Thushara for the second run. Thushara is in no position to complete the second run and Anrich Nortje gives it a chase and fires a throw in on the bounce at the bowling end. Marco Jansen is quick to walk up to the stumps and does the rest, catching Thushara way short of his crease.

Marco Jansen (3-0-14-0) to bowl the last over.

Pitches it up does Ottneil Baartman, at the stumps, Maheesh Theekshana watchfully knocks it down to long on and retains the strike with a single.

Digs it in short, over middle, Maheesh Theekshana waits on the back foot and tries to take on the short ball but gets undone by the extra bounce.

FOUR! Maheesh Theekshana finally gets one away! Baartman serves a bumper, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana pulls it aerially but to the right of mid on for a boundary.

Bangs it on a hard length, over middle, Maheesh Theekshana uses his feet and has a wild hoick across the line but the ball climbs on him and zips past the bat.

A big mix-up but no harm done! Slanting into the right-hander, on a length, Maheesh Theekshana works it in front of square on the leg side. Nuwan Thushara sets off for the run and runs more than halfway through before being sent back by Theekshana.

Swing and a miss! Delivers it on a good length, width on offer, Maheesh Theekshana clears his front leg and swings at it but does not connect.

Ottneil Baartman (3-1-4-1) will bowl the penultimate over.

Angling in, on a good length, around the pads, Nuwan Thushara plays all around it as the ball rolls off his thigh pad and rolls to the left of the keeper.

Attacks the stumps this time, on a good length, Nuwan Thushara hangs back and pats it into the off side.

Sees the batter back away and follows him with a pacy delivery, at 141.2 kph, Nuwan Thushara gets into an awkward position and just about manages to cover the line of the ball.

Dishes out a yorker, aimed at the toes, Nuwan Thushara backs away and digs it out back to the bowler.

Nuwan Thushara is the last man in for Sri Lanka.

OUT! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal and Kagiso Rabada has his second wicket of the day! Rabada comes up with a well-disguised slower delivery, fuller and on the middle and leg, Matheesha Pathirana fails to pick the change of pace and looks to turn it away on the leg side. Goes through his shot early and gets a top edge that goes straight up towards mid on where Aiden Markram settles under it and takes it close to his chest.

Serves it on a length from over the wicket, outside off, Matheesha Pathirana clears his front leg and swings to over mid on but fails to put bat to ball.

Another play and a miss! Hits the deck hard, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana stays leg side of the ball and tries to play away from the body but gets beaten on the outside edge. End of a probing over from Ottneil Baartman.

WIDE! Bowls it down leg, on a fuller length, Maheesh Theekshana misses out on the tickle. Wide given.

And again! On a back of a length, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana fiddles at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Beaten! Hurls it in the channel on off, on a length, Maheesh Theekshana looks to defend it with a straight bat but the ball nips away to beat the bat.

Bangs it into the deck, over off, Maheesh Theekshana ducks and lets it go.

Fuller in length, around off, driven to mid off without much timing to mid off.

Attacks the stumps, on a good length, Maheesh Theekshana covers the line of the ball and stabs it on the off side.

Swing and a miss to end the over! Takes the pace off and bowls it on a nagging length, outside off, Matheesha Pathirana backs away to go downtown but connects with thin air. Nortje finishes with figures of 4-0-7-4, the best figures of his T20I World Cup career.

Gets the yorker in, on middle and leg, Matheesha Pathirana is equal to the task as he jams it out on the off side.

Matheesha Pathirana is in at number 10.

OUT! CAUGHT! Anrich Nortje gets the big wicket and he is having a great day at the office here. A body blow to Sri Lanka with the departure of Angelo Mathews and goes with him, the hopes of them getting close to 100. Nortje delivers a sharp and quick bumper, at the batter, Angelo Mathews gets tucked up for room as he shapes up for the pull shot. Gets a top edge that flies straight down the throat of Ottneil Baartman at fine leg who makes no mistake.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it fuller, on off, Angelo Mathews has a swipe across the line but the ball stays low and scoots through to the keeper.

A clean stop and things would have been interesting there. Pitches it up, full and on off, Maheesh Theekshana gets stuck in the crease and turns it to the right of mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his right and parries it to his right, allowing a single.

Leg bye! Slips onto the pads, on a back of a length, Angelo Mathews hangs back and gets inside the line to tickle it fine but misses. The ball rolls off his thigh pad towards backward square leg for a leg bye.

Vicious bumper on off, Maheesh Theekshana has no idea of how to negotiate it and gets stuck at the crease, the ball whizzes over the off-pole.

Good length, on off, Maheesh Theekshana gets behind the line of the ball and defends it to the bowler.

Maheesh Theekshana walks in next.

OUT! YOU MISS I HIT! CASTLED! Kagiso Rabada now bullets a length ball, and attacks the stumps, Dasun Shanaka exposes all the stumps moving way across the leg side, creating room for a lofted shot into the stands but misses out on the connection totally and the ball whispers the willow's edge before disrupting the furniture.

On the back of a length, angling in on the off-channel, Dasun Shanaka camps back and knocks it off the back foot toward backward point.

Full and on off, Angelo Mathews hits it over point and takes a single.

SIX! Oh, hello! Kagiso Rabada drops it full and into the arc, on off, Angelo Mathews fetches it on the front foot and drags it over cow corner for a maximum.

This one sharply nips away from the middle stump line, on a length, Dasun Shanaka gets squared up and fends it to the short third region to end the over.

Swings it a shade on off, Dasun Shanaka pushes this fuller length-delivery to the off side on front foot.

SIX! HIGH IN THE AIR AND OVER THE ROPES! Marco Jansen bangs it short again, and angles it into the batter, Dasun Shanaka gets underneath it and picks it up and across, well over deep fine leg for a maximum.

Attacks the off stump on a good length with some pace off this time, Dasun Shanaka defends it close to the body to the leg side.

Extra bounce again, on the top of the middle, Angelo Mathews pulls it awkwardly towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Around the wicket, on the shorter length on off, Dasun Shanaka plays it early in the air off the top edge but luckily, the ball lands in the safe area around square leg for a single.

Full and on middle, Angelo Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket.

SIX! Glorious shot! Flighted ball right in the hitting arc, on the middle, Angelo Mathews skips down the track and launches it over long off for a biggie.

On a length, on middle, Angelo Mathews goes back foot and hits it to the bowler.

With a slip in place, Maharaj lands it full and on middle, turning away a shade, Angelo Mathews pushes it to the off side.

Angles it on the pads, on a length, Dasun Shanaka goes deep in the crease and nudges it along the ground through square leg for a single.

Slower through the air, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka strides ahead and defends it to the bowler.

On the back of a length, and on the top of off, Angelo Mathews alertly watches the ball closely and knocks it back to the bowler off the back foot. Another successful over for the Proteas.

Short, and it takes off the deck further, angling down the leg side, Angelo Mathews goes for a pull but misses.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, on middle, Angelo Mathews hops back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Pitches it right up to the batter, on middle and leg, Dasun Shanaka clips it in front of square on the leg side and gets off the mark with a single.

Dasun Shanaka is in at number 8.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Charith Asalanka could not have picked the fielder out any better there. Full length, angling into the pads, Charith Asalanka flicks it off the pads using all the pace of the ball, in the air and finds the fielder at deep square leg where Reeza Hendricks comes forward and takes a simple catch. Sri Lanka lose their 6th wicket now.

Bangs it in on a back of a length, on middle, Angelo Mathews gets on his toes and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Angling away, short and on off, Charith Asalanka slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge that flies past first slip for a couple of runs.

DRAMA! Over the wicket on a length, turning into the batter from off, Charith Asalanka rocks back and punches it through covers and sets off for a single, but gets sent back by his partner. He puts in a full-stretched dive but the fielder inside the inner ring is quick enough to get on the ball, quickly picks up and throws it to the keeper's end where Quinton de Kock flashes off the bails in a flash. The side-on replay shows that Charith Asalanka is inside the popping crease in time. Survives a scare.

Pulls his length a bit, turns it away from off, Angelo Mathews rocks back and cuts it through cover-point for a single.

Loops it up full and on the middle, Angelo Mathews prods ahead and defends to the off side.

Length ball outside the off stump. Charith Asalanka sweeps it towards deep backward square for a single.

Full and just outside off, Charith Asalanka lunges forward pushing in the covers.

Drinks! Well, the situation is just going from bad to worse for Sri Lankans as they have now lost half of their side with Kusal Mendis too, back into the shed right before the Drinks break. South African bowlers just haven't provided any breathing room to their rivals and have piled up pressure by taking wickets at regular intervals. They have got good assistance from the pitch and the Sri Lankan batters couldn't find any answers to the variable bounce and pace. Angelo Mathews is the new batter in at number 7 for Sri Lanka.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Brilliantly judged by Tristan Stubbs looking into the sun! End of a scratchy stay at the crease for Kusal Mendis. Nortje continues to vary his length throughout the over and this time, digs it in short, at the batter. Kusal Mendis hangs back in his crease and tries to take on the short ball. The ball hits him high on the bat and Mendis gets more height than the distance. Tristan Stubbs with shades and a hat on at deep square leg, runs a fair few steps to his left and keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through before completing a reverse cup catch. At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka are 40/5, the lowest score at the end of 10 overs for the Asian side in their T20I history.

Leg bye! A bit too straight by Nortje, on the pads, on a length, Charith Asalanka misses the tickle as the ball rolls off his thigh pad behind square on the leg side for a leg bye.

Attacks the stumps at 143.8 kph, on a good length, Charith Asalanka covers the line of the ball nicely and pats it down the deck.

Sees the batter make the move towards the off side does Nortje and reacts by taking pace off, fuller in length, near the tramline on off, Kusal Mendis glides it down to deep third for a single.

Bends his back and bangs it into the deck, at the batter, Kusal Mendis gets rushed in the pull shot but manages to clear mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Gets the yorker in, at the toes, Kusal Mendis gets his bat down in time and jams it out back to the bowler.

Drops it short and it is quicker as well, on middle, Kusal Mendis rocks back and pulls it to wide long on for just one. End of a superb over from Maharaj, 2 wickets and just 5 runs off it.

This is fuller and on off, Charith Asalanka works it through covers and gets to the other end.

Charith Asalanka survives the hat-trick ball! Comes from over the wicket and loops it up, full and turning in, on middle, Charith Asalanka presses forward and helps it off his pads through the vacant leg slip region for a couple of runs.

Charith Asalanka is in at number 6. Will Keshav Maharaj strike a hat-trick? Let's find out...

OUT! CASTLED! Keshav Maharaj with the double whammy and South Africa are bossing this game here. Maharaj gets the ball to come in with the arm and keeps the line around the off-stump, on a nagging length, Sadeera Samarawickrama gets on the back foot and stays leg side of the ball. He opts to play this square on the off side with the turn. There is no turn on offer and it goes straight on to sneak under the angled bat and crashes into the off pole. A golden duck for Sadeera Samarawickrama and Sri Lanka are in dire straits.

Sadeera Samarawickrama walks out at number 5.

OUT! STUMPED! Keshav Maharaj gets into the act now! Wanindu Hasaranga tries to put Maharaj under pressure but it does not quite come off for him. Maharaj gives the ball air nicely and drags the length back a touch, on middle and leg, Wanindu Hasaranga puts the dancing shoes on to go back over the bowler's head but the ball is not full enough. Gets done in the flight and Quinton de Kock does the rest behind the wicket. A duck for the Sri Lankan skipper.

Tosses it up and attacks the stumps, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and nudges this full delivery to mid-wicket for a single.

Delivers it on a hard length, on off, Wanindu Hasaranga hops back and defends it on the off side.

The Sri Lankan skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga is in at number 4.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! The bowling change has worked as Anrich Nortje strikes in his first over. Norjte bowls it around the pads with a deep backward square leg in place and makes the batter hit towards the bigger square boundary. Kamindu Mendis tries to whip this length delivery but fails to get the distance. It goes only as far as deep backward square leg where Reeza Hendricks takes it safely near his chest.

Gone straight up but it lands safely! Digs it in short again and tucks the batter up for room this time, Kusal Mendis gets himself into a tangle and gets a top edge that drops well in front of deep square leg for a single.

Kusal Mendis is struggling big time out in the middle. Lands a bumper, angling in, over middle, Kusal Mendis gets inside the line to use the pace and scoop it over the keeper but fails to connect.

There's that extra bounce again! Hurls it in at 142.4 kph, on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis clears his front leg and tries to flat bat this down the ground but connects with thin air.

Nortje hits the deck hard first up, on a shortish length, outside off, Kusal Mendis sees the width on offer and tries to slap it over mid on but the ball climbs on him and sails over the bat.

Anrich Nortje is now in the attack. He replaces Ottneil Baartman.

Aerial but safe! Drops it short and it is around middle, Kusal Mendis goes on the back foot to get the pull shot away. The ball gets big on him and it stops in the surface as well. Mendis miscues the pull uppishly but in front of wide long on for a run.

Does not give much air this time and keeps it flat, on a short length, Kamindu Mendis backs away to thrash it through the off side. Gets it off the bottom half of the bat but along the ground to deep point for one.

Comes from around the wicket and angles it in, on a nagging length, on the pads, Kusal Mendis tucks it towards short mid-wicket and gets across to the other end quickly.

Floats it up, full and on off and middle, Kamindu Mendis advances down the track and pushes it to the left of the bowler. They cross.

Slower and fuller, around off, Kamindu Mendis pulls out the reverse sweep and hits it behind square on the off side for a couple of runs.

Beats the bat right away! Pushes it through, flat and short, outside off, Kamindu Mendis goes for the cut but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Aiden Markram has tossed the ball to Keshav Maharaj right after the mandatory Powerplay. He replaces Kagiso Rabada.

Pitches it right up to the batter, around off, Kusal Mendis uses his feet and lofts it over mid off. Does not get hold of it but it is enough to collect a couple of runs.

A loud shout for LBW but turned down. Looked to be doing too much. Gets the ball to slant back in sharply into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle, Kusal Mendis plays for the ball going away and gets rapped high on the back pad.

And again! Angling in, on the sixth stump line, on a length, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot and looks to defend it out with a straight bat. It goes the other way and whizzes past the bat.

Beauty! Keeps it in the channel on off, on a length, this stays low and seams away off the deck, Kusal Mendis hangs back to cover the line of the ball but gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge.

At 135.3 kph, fuller in length, on off, Kamindu Mendis is a bit late on the straight drive and mistimes it to the left of mid off for a single.

Beaten! Charges in from over the wicket and gets the ball to angle away from the batter. Kamindu Mendis does well though not to go chasing at the delivery. Plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Slower one this time, outside off, Kamindu Mendis guides this to third man for a single to end the over.

FOUR! Magnificent shot, one bounce and a boundary! Goes fuller this time does Kagiso Rabada, on the middle stump line, Kamindu Mendis picks it up with the angle and accesses the longer side of the boundary, gets it over square leg for a boundary at deep backward square leg.

On the good length, angling it on the leg stump, Kusal Mendis makes room and mistimes it to mid on for a quick single.

Hard length, around off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it in front of the square where David Miller at backward point dives to his left and just restricts it to a single.

Changes his angle and comes from around the wicket, lands it on a length, and gets a lateral movement outside off, Kamindu Mendis comes forward for a cover drive but gets beaten.

Angles it outside off, on a shade fuller length, Kamindu Mendis watches it closely and decides to leave it alone.

Bowls fuller in length, and this time swings into the stumps, Kusal Mendis gets all squared up and defends it off the thickish outside edge to point. An excellent over from Ottneil Baartman.

Swings away from outside off, Kusal Mendis goes for a lofted drive over covers but gets beaten.

Angles it on the pads, on a hard length, Kamindu Mendis goes for a glance but gets it off the pads towards the fine leg region for a leg bye.

BEATEN! Real test for the batters! Pitches it outside off, on a length, Kamindu Mendis gets two-minded and the ball beats his defence.

Pitched up, on off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it to covers.

Kamindu Mendis walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! First ball in World Cups and a wicket for Ottneil Baartman! Sri Lanka lose the first wicket and Pathum Nissanka's struggling stay comes to an end. Ottneil Baartman comes from over the wicket, hits the deck hard and gets it to shape away a shade from outside off, Pathum Nissanka throws the kitchen-sink at it but gets a thickish outside edge of the willow which flies straight into the hands of Heinrich Klaasen stationed at deep third. Baartman becomes first South African to get a wicket with his first ball in T20 World Cup.

Ottneil Baartman comes into the attack as the first change.

Wraps the over bowling on a length, just on the off, Kusal Mendis looks to cut it away but chops it off the inside half of the bat onto the pitch.

Too full and on the off-stump line, Kusal Mendis gets in the line of the ball and drives it through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Nagging length, shaping away from off, Kusal Mendis with no footwork at all tries to poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full, and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it straight towards mid off.

WIDE! Length ball, jagging away outside leg, Kusal Mendis attempts for a pull shot but misses. Wide given.

Continues from over the wicket, this time just around off, and full in length, Pathum Nissanka clears his front leg and spanks it straight to mid off where the fielder parries the ball to the mid on region and the batters cross for a single.

Toe-crushing yorker on the leg stump line, Pathum Nissanka jams his bat down in time and hits it to short mid-wicket.

Outside off, shaping away as well, on a length, Kusal Mendis goes for an expansive drive on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.

WIDE! This one steeply bounces over the batter, Kusal Mendis ducks underneath and the umpire signals for a Wide.

Length-delivery around leg, Mendis hangs back and defends it to mid-wicket.

Absolute beauty! This one stays low on the bounce and sharply jags back on a fuller length, just around off, Kusal Mendis gets stuck in the crease and gets beaten on the inside edge. The keeper bends low to his left and collects it just a few inches over the grass.

Identical length, but this time on the fourth stump line, Pathum Nissanka camps back and guides it with the pace towards deep third for an easy single.

This time angles it closer to the body on a length and on the top of the middle, Kusal Mendis knocks it off the back foot towards cover-point for a single.

FOUR! First four of the game! Kagiso Rabada starts off from over the wicket, hits the deck hard, outside off, Kusal Mendis just ramps it over first slip for a boundary.

It will be Kagiso Rabada to steam in from the other end.

Again that extra bounce! On the back of a length, across off, Pathum Nissanka again gets beaten on the outside edge as he fiddles at it. A good over for South Africa and Marco Jansen. Just a couple of runs from it.

PEACH! Hits the deck hard and gets a spongy-bounce around off, Pathum Nissanka gets squared up and the ball flirts past his outside edge to the keeper.

Stays over the wicket, this time the leather gets a bit of an inward movement, on the middle and full in length, Pathum Nissanka goes for a biggie on the leg side but the swing beats him and the ball thuds the front pad.

Steams in from over the wicket, lands this one full and straight on the stumps, Kusal Mendis swipes it across the line, and along the ground towards deep backward square leg for a single to open his account.

Hits the hard length, on the middle and slightly takes off the deck as well, Kusal Mendis hops back and pats it to the off side.

Over the wicket starts Jansen, bowls it full and on off, Pathum Nissanka covers his off-pole and strides ahead in the line of the ball, knocks it in front of covers and fetches a quick single to get off the mark.

We are done with the national anthems, and it is now time to get going in the 'Big Apple'. The sun is shining in its full glory as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. Aiden Markram leads his troops out to the centre. Out walk the two Sri Lankan openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Marco Jansen will start with the new ball for the Proteas. Away we go...

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Aiden Markram and Wanindu Hasaranga will lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be South Africa's first, followed by the national anthem of Sri Lanka.

Aiden Markram, the skipper of South Africa says that they would have actually bowled first and says he's not too sure how it is going to play but adds the history of the wicket has a bit of Adelaide in it. States that the team is playing good cricket and they did well in the ODI World Cup. He's hopeful to get going in this T20 World Cup. Further adds that the facilities are really nice and is excited to play at this venue. Ends up by saying they are going with four quicks and one spinner including Keshav Maharaj.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga says that they will bat first. Mentions that the wicket looks good and that they want to get a good score on the board. Further adds that they believe in their strong bowling unit and want to back them. Shares that the preparation has been good and the team is ready to go. Informs that they are going with 7 batters and 4 bowlers, including 2 all-rounders.

South Africa (Playing XI) - 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 (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara.

TOSS UPDATE - The coin-flip lands in the favour of Sri Lanka and Wanindu Hasaranga elects to BAT first.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka also field a strong squad with a blend of youth and experience. However, their recent humbling by the Netherlands in the warm-up fixture suggests areas for improvement. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis solidify the top order, while the likes of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka add depth in the batting order. Veterans Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka add more stability. Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga leads the spin department, with Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana who will hold key roles on slower tracks. Pacer Dilshan Madushanka, along with speedsters Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera, strengthens the pace attack. Both teams possess a fair share of all-rounders which make the contest even more interesting. Stay tuned as the toss and the teams are up next in a few moments.

The Proteas enter this competition after a series defeat against the West Indies and on the back of five defeats on the trot, but they are now reinforced with key experienced players that make them dangerous enough. The South African squad boasts enough raw power-hitting prowess to send shivers down the spine of any bowling attack. Importantly, Quinton de Kock has regained his form and is scoring runs again, while Reeza Hendricks, skipper Aiden Markram, and David Miller strengthen the middle order. Heinrich Klaasen, known for his ability to hit sixes at will, and Tristan Stubbs, who had a phenomenal Indian T20 League season, add the requisite firepower down the order. The Proteas also have solid options in both spin and pace departments, with Kagiso Rabada spearheading the bowling arsenal including Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi as the spin duo, making them tough contenders.

Hello and a very warm welcome to another thrilling coverage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Match number 4 of the league phase promises an exciting clash between the two heavyweights of Pool D. It’s South Africa taking on Sri Lanka. The two sides are all set to kick off their campaign at the scenic Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The Proteas are on the mission to win their maiden title whereas Sri Lanka are all pumped up for redemption.

... MATCH DAY ...

Two heavyweights are set to start their T20 World Cup campaign as South Africa takes on Sri Lanka at the picturesque Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. This neutral venue poses a unique challenge for both teams. South Africa has the upper hand historically with a 12-5 record against Lanka. Despite losing a recent T20I series to the West Indies, the Proteas found many positives. Quinton de Kock regained his form and will be a key threat at the top alongside Reeza Hendricks. Although Aiden Markram has been out of form, he can anchor the innings effectively. They boast one of the deadliest hitters in Heinrich Klaasen, complemented by Tristan Stubbs, who excelled in the Indian T20 League, and David Miller, adding further firepower to their batting lineup. Their pace attack is formidable with Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee as speedsters, strengthened by Kagiso Rabada’s versatile variations. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi are reliable frontline spinners who will enjoy these conditions. The team also has a strong bench to call upon if needed. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has secured six victories in their last nine matches in 2024, though they have faced unexpected losses at home to Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and an away defeat to Bangladesh. These setbacks highlight the need for immediate improvement, especially in batting, as seen in their warm-up game against the Netherlands where they failed to chase 180-plus. The middle order, featuring Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, and Charith Asalanka, will bear the responsibility of stabilizing the innings. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will also play a crucial role. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana form a proven spin duo that can control the middle overs. The pace attack, including Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and the promising Matheesha Pathirana, looks ready to make an impact. Additionally, experienced all-rounders like Mathews and Dasun Shanaka offer flexibility and depth to the squad. Sri Lanka's success in the T20 World Cup will depend on addressing their batting issues while leveraging their bowling strengths. Can the Lankans stun the Proteas, or will South Africa start their campaign with a victory? We will find out soon.