Sports Reporter :
South Africa registered a thrilling four wicket-victory against Sri Lanka in their crucial Group-2 match of the ICC T20 World Cup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
Chasing Sri Lanka’s fighting total of 142 runs off 20 overs, South Africa reached the winning spot making 146 for the loss of six wickets when they had just one ball to spare.
Temba Bahuma of South Africa hit a fine 46. His run-a-ball innings carried one four and one six.
David Miller remained unbeaten with 23. He hit two sixes in his 13-ball innings, while Kagiso Rabada remained unbeaten with 13 runs. He hit one four and one sixer in his seven-ball innings.
Besides, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen contributed 19 and 16 runs respectively to the South Africa total.
Hasaranga de Silva captured three wickets giving 20 runs only, while Dushmantha Chameera bagged two wickets for 27 runs.
Sri Lanka made a remarkable total in the second wicket stand. Opener Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka put on together 41 runs before Asalanka was run out by a joint-effort of Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock when Sri Lanka’s score was 61 for the loss of two wickets.
Asalanka made 21 from 14 balls featuring two fours and a sixer.
Pathum Nissanka fought back making a superb 72. His 58-ball innings glazed with three sixes and six fours.
Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius grabbed three wickets each in the space of 17 runs each.
Anrich Nortje bagged two wickets at the cost of 27 runs.
