SL vs SA: Sri Lanka register their lowest-ever T20I total as South Africa bowl them out for 77

Sri Lanka, on Monday (June 3), started their campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in a disastrous fashion. They faced South Africa in their tournament opener at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.

Captain Wanindu Hasaranga's decision to bat first completely backfired as his teammates struggled to do well in the bowling-friendly conditions. In the end, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 77 runs in 19.1 overs. Not a single Sri Lanka batter could touch the 20-run mark during the disastrous display with the bat.

Kusal Mendis was the top-scorer for his side, scoring 19 runs. The only other batter to score more than 15 runs was former captain Angelo Mathews (16). As many as eight Sri Lanka players could not even reach the double-digit mark while four of them could not even open their account as the Islanders came up with their one of the worst performances of all time in the shortest format of the game.

For South Africa, Anrich Nortje starred with the ball. The 30-year-old, who had struggled with his form in this year's IPL, roared back to form and picked up 4 wickets for just 7 runs in his four overs. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj picked up two wickets each as well.

Sri Lanka register lowest total:

The disastrous batting display saw Sri Lanka register their lowest total in the T20Is as they were bowled out for less than 80 runs for the very first time in the shortest format of the game. Their previous lowest total in the T20Is was 82 which they had scored against India in 2016. In the T20 World Cup, their lowest total was 87 which they had scored against Australia in 2010.

Here are Sri Lanka's lowest totals in T20Is:

• 77 vs South Africa, New York, 2024 
• 82 vs India, Vizag, 2016
• 87 vs Australia, Bridgetown, 2010
• 87 vs India, Cuttack, 2017
• 91 vs England, Southampton, 2021

The record for the lowest T20I total by a full-member team is held by defending champions England who were bowled out for 55 runs against West Indies in 2021.

Lowest totals by a Full member team in the T20 World Cup:

• 55 England vs West India, Dubai, 2021
• 60 New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Chattogram, 2014
• 70 Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Kolkata, 2016
• 72 Bangladesh vs Australia, Dubai, 2021
• 77 Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York, 2024