T20 World Cup 2021: South Africa still Alive defeats SL

T20 World Cup 2021, South Africa vs Sri Lanka: South Africa survives Sri Lanka scare with a heroic finish by David Miller. Needing 14 runs from Lahiru Kumara’s last over, Miller hit two sixes in a row to seal the match.

With three-wicket down on the eight-over mark, South Africa was struggling to grip the game. However, the partnership between South African skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram stretched the game till the end.

Grasping the game firmly with Dushmantha Chameera’s two early strikes, Sri Lanka looked to advance their advantage. They surely had the upper hand when their skipper throw found its target to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen.

The South African skipper, Temba Bavuma, steadied the ship with a solid run-a-ball inning. However, departing in the 18th over himself and on the next ball going for a big shot, Dwaine Pretorius had to depart as well giving Wanindu Hasaranga the hat-trick. following a wicket on the last ball of his previous over.

Sri Lanka was navigating the game with little chance for the opponent to come back. Although a six from Kagiso Rabada completely opened the game for Miller. He lashed out on Lahiru Kumara in the final over to seal the game and also keep the South African hope of the semifinals alive.

The Sri Lankan innings was powered by Pathum Nissanka, scoring half of the runs for his team. However, lacking support from the other end.

The No. 1 T20 bowler, Tabraiz Shamsi, was impressive and took a record to his name of taking the most wicket in a calendar year. Picking up three wickets in this inning with two of them a simple caught and bowled.

The further damage was done was Pretorius and Anrich Nortje. Picking up three and two wickets respectively. Nortje was excellent in the start and at the end while Pretorius dominated the middle overs along with Tabraiz Shamsi.

For Sri Lanka, batting is a challenge. They seem to hurry a lot while batting. Every batter that came out wants to start hitting straight away and that is the problem. The man in form, Charith Asalanka, had a decent start but unfortunately ran out from a fantastic bit of effort from Rabada.

Not having quite a year he would have hoped, Kagiso Rabada was expensive in his three overs spell. Giving away 32 runs and finishing empty-handed in terms of wickets.

Bowling was also a trouble for Sri Lanka in this particular outing. Although their bowling has been way better throughout. The only weakness is their pace bowler because the pitches of UAE are not suitable for the kind of raw pace, especially in the evening match.

Sitting in second place South Africa tied with Australia on points, winning two matches of three played so far. A win against West Indies earlier helped them a lot. While South Africa will be up against Bangladesh whose chances are nearly over.

On the other end, Sri Lanka has not lost two matches and is 4th in the table. Their Only win came against Bangladesh in their opening encounter. They will be playing England next who are the favorite to qualify first in this group.

Watch the highlight of South Africa vs Sri Lanka, ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

ICC T20 World Cup 2021, South Africa vs Sri Lanka: post match presentation.

Tabraiz Shamsi:

“It is my first man-of-the-match trophy and David Miller was outstanding. I am glad that I am getting regular chances to play now and it has helped me. I am enjoying my time with this South African side and we are one of the best bowling attacks going around the world.”

Dasun Shanaka:

“Kumara was nailing his yorker’s in the practise session and thought he could pull it off. South African batters were good and finished the game well. Nissanka will be a real prospect for the future of Lanka cricket. We will hope to win the remaining two games and if we have to leave will leave with pride.”

Temba Bavuma:

“It is quite hard to put into words what has happened in the last couple of days. I was a lot tense bit. David Miller is an experienced batter and he batted really well. Tabraiz Shamsi is a weapon with the ball and he has been doing well for us. The shot was on but I failed to clear the ropes.”