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South African pacer Ottneil Baartman continued his red-hot bowling form in the side's second 2024 T20 World Cup clash against the Netherlands in New York on June 8. The 31-year-old was coming off a miserly spell of 1/9 in four overs in South Africa's tournament opener against Sri Lanka.
After the Proteas won the toss and elected to bowl first, Baartman struck in his first over, removing the dangerous Max ODowd. His first spell finished at an impressive 1/3 in two overs. Baartman returned later to showcase his impeccable death-bowling prowess in the final over the innings.
The right-arm pacer picked up three wickets for a lone un to stifle the Netherlands from a strong finish. Baartman finished with overall figures of 4/11 in his four overs to help restrict the Dutch to a paltry 103/9 in 20 overs.
Despite playing only a solo T20I before the ongoing World Cup, Ottneil Baartman has been the pick of the South African bowlers in their opening two matches.
Fans on Twitter were highly impressed by his efforts and hailed him with the below reactions:
Fans continued praising Baartman with one saying:
"Fans Hyped Rabada ,Nortje but this Guy Ottniel Baartman is the X factor for South Africa."
"Baartman, the next big thing in World cricket. What a talent this South African has!" said a fan.
"Ottineil bartman .. looking like a serious T20 expert .. what a spell," a fan tweeted.
South Africa off to a nervy start with the bat after Baartman's heroics
After a sensational all-round performance with the ball, the Protea batters have thrown away the advantage with a dismal start.
Chasing 104 for victory, South Africa lost veteran wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock off a run out for naught in the first delivery. Fellow opener Reeza Hendricks followed suit in the next over for a painful 10-ball three to leave the Proteas reeling at 3/2 in the second over.
Things went from bad to worse when skipper Aiden Markram was caught behind for a duck. At that moment, South Africa were reduced to a shocking 3/3 in 2.3 overs.
Heinrich Klaasen has joined Tristan Stubbs at the crease and both batters have just opened their account.
Both teams won their respective opening encounter with the winner of the ongoing clash set to stand atop Group D.
