Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the venue for the eagerly-awaited India-Pakistan clash on June 9, 2024, inaugurated its first-ever T20I on June 3 with a Group A match between Sri Lanka and South Africa. Despite expectations of a high-scoring contest given the strong batting lineups and the 20-over format, the match unfolded quite differently.
Sri Lanka, batting first, struggled immensely and scored only 24 runs in the powerplay with the loss of one wicket. The remaining batters couldn’t accelerate the innings, with Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis managing just 30 runs off 45 deliveries.
The drop-in pitch’s unpredictable bounce and a sluggish outfield made it difficult for batters to build momentum. Despite a few sixes from Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka collapsed for 77 runs in 19.1 overs. Anrich Nortje shone for South Africa with career-best figures of 4/7.
Irfan Pathan, cricketer-turned-commentator, criticized the pitch on X, calling it unsuitable for T20 cricket. South Africa also faced challenges, with Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, and Heinrich Klaasen struggling during their chase. They eventually secured a six-wicket victory but managed only 16 runs in boundaries from 77 deliveries.