Anrich Nortje surpasses Dale Steyn and Stuart Broad to script T20 World Cup history

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje etched his name into the record books with his match-winning final over against England in the Super-8 clash of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Saint Lucia on June 21.

The South African cricket team maintained their unbeaten streak in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 with a thrilling 7-run win over defending champions England in Saint Lucia. This win marked Proteas’ sixth consecutive triumph in the ongoing mega ICC event.

Anrich Nortje's heroics lead South Africa to a thrilling win over England in T20 World Cup 2024 Super-8 Clash

The match reached a tense climax, as Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) were putting South Africa under significant pressure with their formidable 78-run partnership. However, the tide turned in the 18th over when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Livingstone to shift the momentum in favor of the South African team.

In the final over, Nortje played a crucial role in sealing the victory for South Africa. The right-arm pacer dismissed the dangerous Brook on the first ball of the last over, effectively ending England's hopes in the nail-biting Super-8 match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram contributed significantly with a spectacular catch to dismiss Brook, but it was Nortje's excellent finish that ensured them a narrow win against England. Nortje's decisive bowling, especially in the final over, was a key factor in South Africa's hard-fought victory, keeping their unbeaten record unblemished in the tournament.

Anrich Nortje sets new record during SA vs ENG thriller

Notably, Nortje recorded the match figures of 1/35 from his four overs against England, conceding just six runs in the final to win the game for South Africa. Well, it was a special occasion for the speedster, as he achieved a significant milestone by taking the only wicket in the form of Brook.

Surpassing South African pace legend Dale Steyn, Nortje has become the highest wicket-taker for the Proteas in ICC T20 World Cup history. Nortje has already Nortje has so far managed 31 wickets at an impressive average of 10.96 and an economy rate of 5.58 in 16 T20 World Cup matches.

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Notably, he has claimed three four-wicket hauls in T20 World Cup history. In comparison, Steyn took 30 wickets for South Africa in 23 T20 World Cup games at an average of 19.30 and an economy rate of 6.96. Additionally, Nortje has also become the 14th bowler to take 30 or more wickets in T20 World Cup history.

In this match, he not only surpassed Steyn but also moved ahead of former England bowler Stuart Broad, who had 30 wickets at an average of 22.36. Notably, Nortje has 49 wickets at an average of 19.53 and an economy rate of 7 to his name in 39 T20Is and is inch-close to becoming the 8th South African bowler to take 50-plus wickets in the format.

South Africa will play their final Super-8 game against the West Indies on June 24 in Antigua.