Cricket

Anrich Nortje, who bowled South Africa to victory in a crucial World Cup match in New York, believes the low-scoring game was still entertaining despite criticism of the pitch and outfield.Nortje, who took career-best T20I figures of 4-10, said he thought the game was "great" and that the entertainment was there."It doesn't always mean, correct me if I'm wrong, there needs to be 20 sixes in a game to make it entertaining," Nortje said. "There's still a lot of strategy that goes into the game. There's a lot of skill that goes into the game, whether it's sixes or fast bowlers or spinners, however it might be. So, I thought the game was a brilliant game. It was still a close game at the end of the day, another wicket or two, and things might have been different. We might have been in a little bit more trouble."Nortje's comments come after Sri Lanka managed to make just 77 runs in their innings, with South Africa also struggling to chase down the target. The pitch was criticized for being uneven and the outfield for being slow, making scoring difficult.However, Nortje said he didn't think there was anything wrong with the pitches."I don't think there's anything wrong with the wickets," he said. "It's [allowed to be] nice for bowlers as well. We are also allowed to get some sort of assistance. It's different to what guys have been used to for the last few months or years. There's a little bit more in the wicket for the bowlers and I don't see anything wrong with that."Nortje's teammate Heinrich Klaasen agreed that the game was entertaining, but said he didn't think the pitch was ideal for T20 cricket."I don't think it's ideal for T20 cricket, but it's still a good entertaining game," Klaasen said. "Nevertheless our bowlers bowled extremely well. The margin for error for the bowlers is also not as big as you think. It's not easy for the batters. It took like almost a mixture of Test cricket, one-day, batting-wise to get over the line. Luckily we didn't chase 120. That would've been very interesting."Despite the criticism of the pitch, both Nortje and Klaasen were happy with the atmosphere in New York."I said to the coach the DJ was on point, there was no interruptions from his side and the crowd was fantastic," Klaasen said. "You can see the people are excited for the competition."

South Africa's pace attack wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka's batting lineup, dismissing them for a paltry 77 in the T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The Proteas' bowlers exploited the bounce on offer to dismantle the Lankan innings in just 19.1 overs.Pacer Anrich Nortje led the charge with a career-best 4/7, including a wicket off his first over. Kagiso Rabada chipped in with 2/21, while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj also impressed with 2/22.Sri Lanka's decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as they struggled to time the ball on the drop-in pitch. Pathum Nissanka (3) was dismissed early by Ottneil Baartman, who made a remarkable debut with figures of 1/9.Nortje's pace and accuracy proved too much for Kusal Mendis, who mistimed a pull to make it 31/2. Maharaj then struck twice in successive deliveries, dismissing skipper Wanindu Hasaranga and Sadeera Samarawickrama.Angelo Mathews looked most comfortable for Sri Lanka, scoring 16 off 16 balls before Nortje dismissed him. The Lankan innings ended with Nuwan Thushara's run-out.South Africa's bowlers dominated the match from start to finish, showcasing their skill and precision. The Proteas will be confident heading into their remaining Group A matches, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup and find a way to improve their batting performance.

Sri Lanka vs South Africa: A Clash of Titans in the T20 World Cup 2024The 2024 T20 World Cup is set to kick off with a thrilling encounter between former champions Sri Lanka and the formidable South Africa. Despite a recent setback against the West Indies, South Africa remains a formidable force with a star-studded lineup.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has shown mixed form in the warm-ups. However, their bowling attack, led by the Chennai Super Kings duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana, along with captain Wanindu Hasaranga, poses a significant threat.Historical Rivalry and Form GuideSouth Africa holds a 3-1 advantage over Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup matches, giving them a slight edge in the upcoming clash. However, Sri Lanka has a strong record at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the match will be played.Key Players to WatchFor South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen is expected to lead the charge with his explosive batting. The Proteas also boast a strong bowling attack, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje among their key weapons.Sri Lanka will rely on the experience of Dinesh Chandimal and the all-round abilities of Hasaranga. Their bowling attack, with its mix of pace and spin, will be crucial in containing the South African batters.Match Details* Date: Monday, June 3, 2024* Time: 8:00 PM IST* Venue: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York* TV Channels: Star Sports Network* Live Streaming: Disney plus HotstarPredictionSouth Africa enters the match as the slight favorite, given their recent form and historical advantage. However, Sri Lanka's bowling attack and home-ground advantage could prove to be decisive factors. A close and exciting contest is expected, with either team capable of emerging victorious.

SL vs SA Live Score: South Africa's Batting Might Poses a Formidable Challenge for Sri LankaSri Lanka will face a daunting task when they take on South Africa in their Group D opener of the T20 World Cup on Monday. The Proteas boast a formidable batting lineup that could prove to be a nightmare for any bowling attack.Captain Aiden Markram, wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs form the core of South Africa's batting order. Klaasen and Stubbs have been in exceptional form lately, averaging 41 and 182, respectively, in this World Cup cycle.Klaasen's impressive performances for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, where he scored 471 runs at a strike rate of 171, further highlight his prowess. Stubbs, too, has been equally impressive for the Delhi Capitals, amassing 378 runs at a strike rate of 190.Both Klaasen and Stubbs are known for their exceptional power-hitting abilities, which could pose a significant threat to Sri Lanka's spinners. Klaasen, in particular, has been phenomenal against spin, averaging 59 and striking at 191 in the lead-up to the World Cup.Sri Lanka will need to rely on their varied bowling attack to contain South Africa's batting firepower. However, the Proteas have shown that they are well-equipped to handle spin, which could make it difficult for the Sri Lankan bowlers to make an impact.With a tricky group that includes Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Sri Lanka will be eager to get off to a winning start. However, they will need to be at their best to overcome a South African team that is brimming with confidence and has the potential to go all the way in this tournament.

Sri Lanka will face a formidable challenge in their T20 World Cup opener against South Africa on June 3 in New York. The Proteas boast a star-studded batting lineup featuring Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs. Klaasen and Stubbs have been in exceptional form, averaging over 40 and striking at over 180 in recent matches.Sri Lanka's bowling attack will need to be at its best to contain South Africa's explosive batting. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are key spinners, but they will face a stern test against Klaasen, who has averaged 59 against spin in the run-up to the World Cup.Sri Lanka may consider using pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madhushanka to target Klaasen and Stubbs during the middle overs. However, South Africa's batting depth is a concern for the Lankans.Despite South Africa's strength, Sri Lanka has a chance to upset the odds. They have won six of their last nine T20Is and have a balanced team with experienced players like Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva.The Proteas' bowling attack lacks variety, relying heavily on Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi. Anrich Nortje is still finding his rhythm after an injury and had an underwhelming IPL.Sri Lanka will hope to exploit South Africa's bowling weaknesses and get off to a winning start in the tournament. They will also need to be wary of the New York pitch, which has been known to offer assistance to bowlers.

Nepal and Netherlands Poised to Surprise in T20 World Cup, Says Adam GilchristLegendary Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has identified Nepal and the Netherlands as potential dark horses in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Both teams are grouped with Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka in Group D, and Gilchrist believes they have the potential to upset the established order.Gilchrist highlighted the international experience gained by Nepal's young players, led by Rohit Paudel. He noted that several Nepalese players have featured in major T20 leagues around the world, giving them valuable exposure to high-level competition."I think Nepal would be a team that might be able to fire a shot," Gilchrist said. "They've got a couple of young players who have been in all the big leagues for a number of years now."As for the Netherlands, Gilchrist pointed to their history of upsetting bigger teams in ICC events. He recalled their victory over South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, demonstrating their ability to punch above their weight."The Dutch always seem to ruffle a few feathers, they always seem to get under the skin," Gilchrist said. "They nailed them in the T20 World Cup last time in Australia in Adelaide. So, it might be the Dutch."Gilchrist also emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for lesser-known cricket-playing nations to compete against top teams. He cited the example of the USA's recent T20 series victory over Bangladesh, highlighting the potential for upsets in the upcoming World Cup."That's in a financial component where they get a little bit of a lick of the ice cream... but also just the experience," Gilchrist said. "With the T20 format, that's the opportunity for these nations to come in and start trying to ruffle a few feathers but also bed down the cricket programs in their countries."Nepal and the Netherlands will face each other on Tuesday in their opening match of the T20 World Cup. Both teams will be eager to prove their worth and potentially cause an upset in the tournament.

Group D of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup promises thrilling encounters between former champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Netherlands, and Nepal.Sri Lanka:Led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka boasts a balanced squad with a strong batting lineup featuring Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka. Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka provide experience as seam-bowling all-rounders, while Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage offer spin-bowling options. Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are expected to play key roles in the bowling department.Bangladesh:Bangladesh enters the tournament with some uncertainty, as they continue to search for their strongest XI. Experienced opener Litton Das has been out of form, but teammate Tawhid Hridoy is confident of his comeback. Vice-captain Taskin Ahmed's fitness is a concern, but the Tigers have experience in Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. Mustafizur Rahman's deceptive off-cutters could prove valuable in slow conditions.Nepal:Nepal will field a young side led by 21-year-old Rohit Paudel. Paudel's recent form against West Indies A is a positive sign, and Gulshan Jha and Pratis GC are other young stars to watch. Sompal Kami and Karan KC provide experience, but Nepal remains the least experienced side in the group.Netherlands:The Netherlands have a history of surprising in ICC tournaments, having beaten South Africa in the last two editions. They will face the Proteas again on June 8, aiming for a hat-trick of wins. Michael Levitt has earned a place in the absence of Colin Ackermann, and the Dutch have restored their core players for this edition. Bas de Leede, who was named ICC Men's Associate Cricketer of the Year last year, is a key all-rounder.South Africa:South Africa is arguably the strongest side in the group and the tournament. Their batting lineup boasts Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Reeza Hendricks, while Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen lead a formidable fast-bowling attack. However, the Proteas lack a genuine all-rounder.Key Players to Watch:* Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka): A lethal pacer with a dangerous yorker* Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa): A versatile middle-order batter with a high strike rate against spin* Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): A hard-hitting batter who holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty* Bas de Leede (Netherlands): An all-rounder who was named ICC Men's Associate Cricketer of the Year last year* Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): A skilled spinner with deceptive off-cutters

Group D Preview: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, NepalAs the countdown to the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup continues, Group D promises to be a fascinating battleground. Here's a closer look at the teams involved:South Africa:South Africa's T20 World Cup squad has been bolstered by the return of key players like Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller. However, concerns remain over the form of Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje. Tristan Stubbs, a specialist finisher, is a player to watch.Sri Lanka:Sri Lanka has won all three of its T20I series this year, albeit against weaker teams. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are two quality spinners who could exploit slow pitches in the West Indies. The team will hope for a quick recovery from Matheesha Pathirana's hamstring strain.Bangladesh:Bangladesh suffered a setback in their T20I series against the United States. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and coach Chandika Hathurusinghe rely on the same set of players to deliver in this mega event. The team lacks power-hitters, which could be a disadvantage.Netherlands:Netherlands earned its spot in the tournament by finishing in the top-eight of the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The team will miss Roelof van der Merwe and Colin Ackermann, but Max O'Dowd is a standout batter.Nepal:Nepal qualified for the 2024 T20 WC by reaching the final of the ICC's Asia region qualifiers. Captain Rohit Paudel has shown his class in recent matches against West Indies A.Key Players:* Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)* Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)* Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)* Max O'Dowd (Netherlands)* Rohit Paudel (Nepal)

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad selection reflects their anticipation of slow, batter-unfriendly conditions in the USA and Caribbean. Chief selector Upul Tharanga explained that the team has prioritized spin-bowling options, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana leading the line.Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage offer all-round capabilities, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is among the traveling reserves. Dhananjaya and Wellalage have been included despite limited T20I experience, showcasing the team's focus on versatility.Tharanga emphasized that the team's all-rounders provide flexibility, allowing them to field three spinners if necessary. Dhananjaya's bowling skills and Wellalage's batting potential were cited as key factors in their selection.Concerns over power-hitting have been raised, but the selectors expressed confidence in the team's ability to generate enough runs. They highlighted the presence of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dasun Shanaka as capable power hitters.Janith Liyanage, despite not being initially shortlisted, has been named as a traveling reserve due to his impressive ODI performances. Matheesha Pathirana's availability remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury, but the team is hopeful he will be fit for the tournament's start.Sri Lanka's seam attack includes Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Asitha Fernando as a traveling reserve. Tharanga believes they have the necessary options to trouble batters in all phases of play, particularly in the powerplay.