(Image source from: SA Beats SL in just 18 overs})
No one might have imagined the fate of Sri Lanka team as they suffered shameful debacle in Knockout stage. The Sri Lanka batsmen literally envisaged the teams defeat in the hands of Safaris. Though the pitch favourable to bowling, they have not tried to continue the game. Sri Lanka lost all the ten wickets in just 37.2 overs for a pity score of 133 runs.
South Africa's reply to mere 133 runs of Sri Lanka in just 18 overs with 9 wickets in hand is sending strong message to all the teams. After completion of the quarter final events of remaining three matches (six teams) one team will have to face the powerful South Africa in Semifinal stage.
After opener Hashim Amla left the crease at just 16 runs of individual score and 40 runs of team score, Quinton de Kock (78*) and Faf du Plessis (21*) ensured the South Africa’s victory with perfect batting style. Interestingly Faf du Plessis has no boundary in his 21 runs, while de Kock beaten 12 fours in his innings.
Before South Africa’s batting, Sri Lanka struggled face the bowling force of South Africa, as Imran Tahir has taken four wickets with 3.1 economy and Jean-Paul Duminy took 3 wickets with one maiden over and 3.2 economy. Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott, and Morne Morkel have take one wicket each with strong line and length. Except Kumar Sangakkara (45), Lahiru Thirimanne (41), captain Angelo Mathews (19) all the batsman have scored only one-digit runs or not opened the run count.
Man of the match award was given to Imran Tahir for his outstanding bowling. We have to wait and see how tomorrow’s India vs Bangladesh match will give the result.
-Kannamsai
