Sri Lanka fall to record low 77 all out on way to T20 World Cup loss against South Africa

Sri Lanka suffered a miserable start to their T20 World Cup campaign after they were skittled out for just 77 against South Africa on way to a six-wicket loss in New York on Monday.

South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs – the best by a Proteas bowler at a T20 World Cup, passing his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago.

In stark contrast, Sri Lanka collapsed to their lowest total in T20 cricket and the 13th lowest score in the tournament's history.

Kagiso Rabada (2-21) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took two wickets in two balls on his way to 2-22, also struck after Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga won the toss. Opener Kusal Mendis (19) and veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) were the only batsmen to pass 15.

Sri Lanka were bowled out with five balls to spare when last man Nuwan Thushara was run out for one of four ducks in the innings.

“We did want to bat first, we were hoping for 160-170 but now we know it was more of a 120-130 wicket, especially with our bowlers,” saidSri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga.

“We know our strength is in our bowling and that's why we chose to bat first because we back ourselves to defend.

“We still have three games to go in the group. Yes, we wanted a lot more from today and perform a lot better. But I was very pleased with how our bowlers performed after the batting, we just need our batting to come together and we will be feeling confident.”

An American horror story for Sri Lanka!

Their lowest total in men's T20Is