ICC World T20 Group 1: NZ choke against SA, Sri Lanka Anhilliate the Dutch

In a day of contrasting matches, SA defeated NZ thanks to Steyn brilliance, whereas the Dutch were dismissed off for a score of 39, the lowest in T20i history.

Earlier, the SA batsmen, except Amla and Duminy, had a bad day at work. SA got off to a bad start after losing 3 quick wickets for 432. But Amla and Duminy got together and stabilised things for SA. Though Amla was more defensive, Duminy went after the bowlers right from the start, and thanks to his brilliance at the death overs, SA managed an above par score of 170.

It looked like NZ’s match to loose after the first 10 overs of their batting. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor looked in prime form, and only Dale Steyn managed some control over the scoring rate. But a lower order collapse triggered by Steyn and Tahir helped SA claw right back into the game. With 7 needing from an over, Steyn produced an incredible over to win it for SA, and ensured that their chances of semi-final spot was still alive.

The other match was possibly one of the most one-sided cricket matches in recent times. After being put into bat, Netherland could never could going as they were reduced to 3 with just 1 run on board. Except for Tom Cooper, no one could face the ferocious bowling from the Sri Lankan counter parts. Angelo Mathews was on fire, taking 2 on 2 in his first over. It was more of a formality after the fall of Tom Cooper, as mystery spinner Ajanta Mendis wrapped up things for SL.

The chase was never going to be a problem, but still SL ended up losing a wicket. Finally, they chased down the target in 5 overs, and this will be a huge boost for their net run rate.