Fast bowler Anrich Nortje performed a key position, returning career-best figures of 4/7.
They had to work for it, however the Proteas maintained their composure in difficult situations final evening as they held themselves collectively to wrap up a comparatively comfy six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their first match of the T20 World Cup in New York.
Playing in an unfamiliar setting on the newly constructed Nassau County Stadium, the SA staff have been set a goal of 78 runs to win in a low-scoring sport, and so they discovered themselves in early bother at 23/2 in the fifth over.
Unlike their opponents, nonetheless, who had additionally failed to make the most of the powerplay, the South Africans managed to maintain on to wickets.
Opening batter Quinton de Kock stabilised the innings with a affected person 20-run contribution off 27 balls, and whereas he was caught and bowled after chipping the ball again to Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga in the eleventh over, he guided his staff to 51/3.
Once he had fallen, skilled middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen (19 not out from 22 deliveries) carried the Proteas throughout the road as they reached 80/4 with 22 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka innings
Earlier, after successful the toss and selecting to bat, Sri Lanka’s line-up had been strangled by the Proteas assault, which was spearheaded by quick bowler Anrich Nortje.
The Sri Lankans obtained off to a bumpy begin, restricted to 24/1 in the powerplay, as the previous T20 World Cup champions struggled to discover any early momentum.
And that was just the start of their troubles. They misplaced wickets at common intervals and by no means actually managed to decide up the tempo, with Angelo Mathews hitting the primary six of their innings in the thirteenth over.
Opener Kusal Mendis top-scored for his facet with 19 runs off 30 balls, and he was considered one of solely three batters to attain double figures, as they have been bundled out for 77 runs in the ultimate over of their innings.
Bowlers arise
It was a spectacular efficiency from the SA bowlers after questions had been raised about their type and health in the build-up to the match.
Nortje performed a key position, returning career-best T20 figures of 4/7, whereas fellow speedster Kagiso Rabada (2/21) and spinner Keshav Maharaj (2/22) additionally joined the hunt as they laid the muse for his or her facet’s eventual victory.
After making a successful begin to the World Cup tournament, South Africa will face the Netherlands in their subsequent Group D match in New York on Saturday.
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