South Africa put on a batting masterclass in their ICC World Cup match against Sri Lanka. Batting first, they posted a commanding total, with centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. This exceptional performance led to South Africa’s highest-ever World Cup total. Sri Lanka showed resilience in their chase, with notable contributions from Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, and Dasun Shanaka. However, South Africa’s bowler Gerald Coetzee’s efforts helped them secure a convincing 102-run victory.
Here is the list of Records shattered during the encounter:
- Aiden Markram set a new World Cup record with the fastest century, reaching it in just 49 balls, surpassing Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball century in the 2011 World Cup.
- In an unprecedented feat, South Africa had three centurions in a single World Cup match: Quinton de Kock (100), Rassie van der Dussen (108), and Aiden Markram (106).
- South Africa posted an all-time high total in World Cup history, amassing 428 runs, surpassing Australia’s 417/6 against Afghanistan in the 2015 World Cup.
- This marked South Africa’s third instance of scoring 400 or more runs in a World Cup match, while all other teams combined have managed only two such totals (Australia and India).
- Kusal Mendis showcased his power-hitting by smashing eight sixes in the first 10 overs, setting a new record for the most sixes by a batter in a World Cup match, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s seven sixes against England in 2015.
- Sri Lanka’s bowlers had a tough day, with three of them conceding 90 or more runs in a single One Day International (ODI) match: Rajitha (90), Pathirana (95), and Jansen (92).
- It was only the second time in ODI history that four bowlers from the same team conceded 80 or more runs in a match: Rajitha (90), Madushanka (86), Pathirana (95), and Wellalage (81).
- Sri Lanka’s loss by 102 runs, despite scoring over 300 while chasing, stands as the largest defeat margin in such a scenario in ODI history.
Aiden Markram’s Lightning Century
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Aiden Markram’s incredible batting performance. Markram blazed his way to a century in just 49 balls, breaking the previous record held by Kevin O’Brien, who achieved the feat in 50 balls during the 2011 World Cup. Markram’s breathtaking innings set the tone for South Africa’s batting display.
Triple Century Delight
South Africa’s batting prowess was on full display as three of their players achieved centuries in a single World Cup match. Quinton de Kock (QDK), Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram scored centuries, marking the first time in World Cup history that three players from the same team accomplished this remarkable feat. Their remarkable performance powered South Africa to a mammoth total.
Highest World Cup Total
South Africa went on to post a jaw-dropping total of 428 runs, a record-breaking score in World Cup history. This remarkable feat surpassed Australia’s previous record of 417/6 against Afghanistan in the 2015 World Cup. It demonstrated South Africa’s dominance with the bat on that unforgettable day.
Sri Lanka’s Spirited Response
Sri Lanka, not to be outdone, mounted a spirited response with Kusal Mendis leading the charge. Mendis hammered eight sixes in the first 10 overs of the innings, setting a new record for the most sixes by a batsman in a World Cup match. This audacious display of power hitting left the cricket world in awe.
Bowling Figures in Uncharted Territory
While the batsmen reigned supreme, the bowlers had a challenging day. Three Sri Lankan bowlers, Rajitha, Pathirana, and Jensen, conceded over 90 runs each, marking the first instance of three bowlers conceding 90+ runs in an ODI. Additionally, it was only the second time in ODI history that four bowlers from a team gave away 80+ runs, with Rajitha, Madushanka, Pathirana, and Wellalage on the receiving end.
A Record Defeat for Sri Lanka
Despite their valiant efforts, Sri Lanka faced a daunting target and eventually fell short. Their loss by 102 runs is now etched in history as the biggest defeat for a team scoring 300 or more while chasing in ODI cricket.
In the end, the South Africa vs Sri Lanka clash in the ICC World Cup 2023 will be remembered not only for its sheer entertainment but also for the numerous records that tumbled throughout the match, making it a day to cherish for cricket aficionados worldwide.