South Africa stun Sri Lanka in World Cup clash

by Staff Writer 08-10-2023 | 8:31 AM

Aiden Markram's blazing innings set a new record for the fastest century in a World Cup match, propelling South Africa to an astonishing total of 428-5 against Sri Lanka in Delhi. This remarkable score marked the highest ever in the history of the tournament and paved the way for a commanding 102-run victory.

Markram reached his century in just 49 balls, surpassing Ireland's Kevin O'Brien's record against England in Bangalore in 2011 by a single delivery. He eventually departed the crease after scoring 106 runs from 54 balls. Prior to his explosive performance, Quinton de Kock contributed a century of his own, scoring 100 runs from 84 balls, and Rassie van der Dussen added a patient 108 from 110 balls.

David Miller and Marco Jansen then continued the onslaught, pushing the score beyond the previous record of Australia's 417-6 against Afghanistan in 2015. Sri Lanka, led by former England coach Chris Silverwood, struggled to contain the South African batsmen on a pitch that offered little assistance.

Sri Lanka's bowling was marred by 21 wides, and they were forced to field with an extra player inside the ring during the final two overs due to a slow over-rate. Matheesha Pathirana had a particularly tough outing, conceding 26 runs in the 43rd over and finishing with figures of 95 runs for one wicket from his 10 overs.

Despite the daunting target, Sri Lanka showed resilience with the bat. Kusal Mendis played a thrilling innings, smashing 76 runs from just 42 balls, including eight towering sixes, providing a glimmer of hope for an improbable victory. Charith Asalanka contributed 79 runs from 65 balls, and captain Dasun Shanaka fought valiantly with a defiant 68 off 62 balls. However, Sri Lanka's brave effort fell short as they were eventually bowled out for 326 runs in 44.5 overs, resulting in a record-breaking total of 754 runs in the match.

Sri Lanka will travel to Hyderabad to face Pakistan on Tuesday, while South Africa's next encounter is against Australia in Lucknow on Thursday.