In a low-scoring T20 World Cup match, SA defeated SL by 6 wickets
On Monday, South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in their T20 World Cup campaign opener match. The Proteas first restricted Sri Lanka to 77 in 19.1 overs, which was the lowest total of islanders in T20 cricket. Anrich Nortje produced a career-best performance in T20Is of 4/7 in four overs and won the Player of the Match award. Opener Kusal Mendis was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 19 off 30 balls.
The Aiden Markram-led side then notched up the required runs with the loss of four wickets at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. They chased down a 78-run target in just 16.2 overs.
Sri Lanka's decision to bat first completely backfired, as they were bowled out for their lowest total in T20s.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka: 77 all out in 19.1 overs (Kusal Mendis 19; Anrich Nortje 4/7; Keshav Maharaj 2/22).
South Africa: 80 for 4 in 16.2 overs (Quinton de Kock 20, Heinrich Klaasen 19, not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/22).