That's It! South Africa complete a not so challenging chase and secure a comprehensive victory. Bowlers did a very good job for them restricting Sri Lanka under 100. Chasing it, South Africa were cautious but they were in control throughout. Important points for them early in the competition.
Wanindu Hasaranga keeps Sri Lanka afloat in the game. Runs have been hard work to find here and Hasaranga' wickets will keep Sri Lanka alive for a bit longer. Quinton de Kock was dismissed caught and bowled first and then Tristan Stubbs hit one straight in the hands of cover.
The pitch has remained challenging and both the batters on the crease has faced struggle to get going. The ball keeps moving laterally with spongy bounce. South African batters has the luxury to knock it around a bit with the target not big enough.
Out! The pitch continues to trouble the batters as this time it is the Proteas captain Aiden Markram who fell to Dasun Shanka. Edged it to the slips and Kamindu Mendis did not mistake to grab the catch. If only Sri Lanka had a slightly bigger total on the board, the match could be a close one.
Out! Nuwan Thushara is the last one to fall for Sri Lanka as South Africa wraps up Wanindu Hasaranga and Co for just 77 runs. South Africa will try to come up with impressive batting performance as well but nothing can be said as Sri Lanka also have a good bowling attack.
Anrich Nortje didn't have a great IPL but he made his comeback in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a bang. Conditions were supportive and he used it to his full advantage taking four scalps. South Africa will be happy getting him back in form going ahead.
Out! Another one goes down. Angelo Mathews was trying to launch a short counter-attack but he didn't get support from the other end for long as Dasun Shanaka goes for a wild swing and gets his stump rattled by Kagiso Rabada. Sri Lanka are in the corner now as South Africa close in.
Out! Has been that kind of day for Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka flicks a delivery from Anrich Nortje and it goes straight into the hands of deep square leg. Sri Lanka are struggling to get going here. South Africa won't mind as the have the bowlers in full flow here.
Out! Two in two balls for Keshav Maharaj. First gets Wanindu Hasaranga stumped after former goes for a wild slog. The next delivery is just the dream left arm spinner's delivery to Sadeera Samarawickrama who gets cleaned up. Sri Lanka in deep trouble now and they need a rescue to set up a competitive score.
The powerplay has been a struggle for the Sri Lanka batters. The pitch has some spongy bounce and it has been difficult to play across the line. A few bowlers have also found seam movement off the pitch and it has been difficult to play shots. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis are looking for scoring opportunities but are yet to get one.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Live Score Updates: The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has commenced with some exciting cricketing action. The first three matches have already seen nail-biters, high-scoring thrillers and also a super over. In the next match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa will take on the challenge of Sri Lanka. It is a big match in the competition and given the context of the group. The result of this match will play role in deciding who will eventually qualify for the Super 8. Both of them are strong sides and will look to use the conditions in their favour. A win at this stage is very much crucial as for both sides a slip up can prove to be costly. Matthew Hayden, Paul Collingwood Reveal Their Picks for Finalists of ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
South Africa National Cricket Team are a power packed side with Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller carrying form behind them from the IPL. Although their recent form has not been too impressive as a team as they suffered a drubbing in the hands of West Indies in the recent series. Reeza Hendricks has finally got his much-deserved opportunity but concern remains with veterans Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram. Proteas will want to start with two spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi but the choice of seamers to accompany Gerald Coetzee will be tricky with both Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada out of form. Namibia Captain Gerhard Erasmus Hopes to Continue Winning Form in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 After Dramatic Win over Oman.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team are a more all-round side. They have a potent spin attack in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. There seamers are fit and ready to go. The boast a heavily skilled pace attack in Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka. It will not be easy to score against the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Batting does lack firepower and the likes of Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka have to make sure they take the responsibility of scoring at a desired rate.
South Africa National Cricket Team Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga(c), Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage