South Africa defeat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in the Super 12 Group 1 match of the T20 World Cup 2021. David Miller with two sixes in the final over snatched the victory for the Proteas. With these results, they have registered their second win in the competition and have put themselves in the running to advance and qualify for the playoffs.
Wickets! Wanindu Hasaranga puts Sri Lanka in a commanding position as he dismisses Aiden Markram, the well-set Temba Bavuma and power-hitter Dwaine Pretorious in consecutive deliveries. South Africa need David Miller to step up if they are to get out of this situation and register a win.
31 needed off 18 balls! The game is perfectly poised at this stage and a couple of balls could swing it in either's favour. A win is crucial for both as it puts them level on points with unbeaten teams, England and Australia, who face each other next.
The wicket Sri Lanka needed! Aiden Markram has to depart as Wandindu Hasaranga outfoxes the batter with a quickish delivery and clean bowls him. Markram b Hasaranga 19(20).
A lot will depend upon how Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram play from here on. Bith batters have settled as the pitch will prove difficult for newcomers to score on.
Sri Lanka have been sensational with the ball after a dodgy start to the game. The Lankans haven't allowed the proteas to score freely and will look to keep the run-flow restricted.
Wicket! It has been a long time coming as after a few tries, Sri Lanka finally get it right as Rassie van der Dussen is run out. This is a huge blow for South Africa as they are falling behind in the chase. van der Dussen run out (Shanaka) 16(11).
South Africa have been pegged back after their dual wicket-over by Dushmantha Chameera. Skipper Temba Bavum and Rassie van der Dussen have responsibility on them to get the Proteas out of this situation.
Wickets! Dushmantha Chameera does the trick for Sri Lanka as he traps Reeza Hendricks plumb in front of the stumps and then takes a brilliant catch off his own bowling to dismiss Quinton de Kock.
Both South African openers have played well so far, as without taking any unnecessary risks, they have managed to score at a decent rate on a tough pitch. The duo will be aiming to continue it.
South Africa will be happy with their first-half display and will hope openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks can get off to a brilliant start. A similar score was defended yesterday on the same pitch, so Sri Lanka will fancy their chances.
It has been a brilliant bowling performance from South Africa as they have managed to restrict Sri Lanka to a decent score. Tabraiz Shamsi was the star for the Proteas finishing was excellent figures of 3/17. Pathum Nissanka scored his 2nd T20I fifty.
Dwaine Pretorious continues to pick up wickets in the death overs as he dismissed Pathum Nissanka and Chamika Karunaratne. Nissanka played a sensational knock but wasn't able to carry his bat.
Caught! Dwaine Pretorius gets his first wicket of the game in Dasun Shanaka. Sri Lanka need to up the scoring rate but Proteas bowlers have executed their plans well and have made it difficult for the batters. Shanaka c Rabada b Pretorius 11(12).
Fifty! It has been a gutsy knock from Pathum Nissanka so far as he completes his second T20I half-century. The batter has lacked support from the other end but will be aiming to stay till the end and guide his team to a competitive total.
Wicket! Tabraiz Shamsi continues to get the better of the Sri Lanka batsmen as he gets his third wicket of the game in Wanindu Hasaranga. The all-rounder took an aggressive approach to his innings but tried a shot too many in the end. Hasaranga c Markram b Shamsi 4(5).
Caught! Tabraiz Shamsi does the trick again for South Africa as he dismisses Avishka Fernando in a very similar fashion to his first. The spinner has been making things difficult for the batters and is being rewarded with two wickets so far. Avishka Fernando c and b Shamsi 3(5).
Wicket! The premier spinner for South Africa strikes again as Tabraiz Shamsi accounts for the dangerous Bhanuka Rajapksa, who failed to trouble the scores. Rajapaksa c and b Shamsi 0(3).
Wicket! A cruel blow for Sri Lanka as Charoth Asalanka is run-out. The Lankan batter was looking in great touch but a brilliant fielding effort from Kagiso Rabada sees his return to the pavilion. Asalanka run out (Rabada/de Kock) 21(14).
Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka are looking to rebuild the Sri Lanka innings after the loss of Kusal Perera. Both players have started well and will be aiming to lead their team in a commanding position.
South Africa and Sri Lanka will face off against each other in match 25 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 in Group 1 of Super 12. The clash will be played at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium on October 30, 2021 (Saturday). Both teams have one win so far and will be aiming for maximum points. Meanwhile, we bring you the live score of the SA vs SL, T20 World Cup 2021 encounter. ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Points Table: Pakistan Top Group 2 Table With Hat-Trick of Wins.
South Africa did well to bounce back from their opening day defeat and registered their first win of the competition as they defeated West Indies by eight wickets. Quinton de Kock, who missed that game due to personal reasons, is expected to be available for this clash which will give a further boost to the Proteas.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka trumped Bangladesh in their opening game of the tournament but were given a reality check by Australia in the following game. Fielding has been the main concern for the Asian team as a dropped catch proved crucial in their loss and they will hope to give a much better account of themselves this time around.
Both teams will have their eyes set on maximum points from the game as with group leaders Australia and England facing each other next, either of South Africa or Sri Lanka could move into the second spot. The teams have a lot to improve on yet but will fancy themselves of getting the desired result.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2021 02:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).