South Africa’s 2023 ICC World Cup campaign couldn’t have gotten off to a better start as they defeated Sri Lanka by 102 runs in a record-breaking match. The match, played at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 7, set multiple records, including the highest team total in World Cup history.
Aiden Markram scored 106 points from just 54 deliveries in the 2023 World Cup group match against Sri Lanka. (AFP photo)
South Africa’s explosive batting
South Africa showed an absolute masterclass with their aggressive batting, scoring a massive 428 for 5, the highest in the history of the Men’s ODI World Cup. This surpassed the previous record of 417 for six set by Australia in 2015 against Afghanistan. What made this episode even more remarkable was the fact that three South African players – Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram – each scored centuries. Ta. This is the first time in World Cup history that three batters from the same team reached triple digits in the same inning.
De Kock and van der Dussen laid a solid foundation with a massive partnership of 204 runs for the second wicket after captain Themba Bavuma was dismissed early. De Kock, who played in his last World Cup, showed a sublime performance by hitting 100 out of 84 balls. Van der Dussen’s equally impressive 108 off 110 balls provided the backbone of South Africa’s innings.
Markram’s Blitz
However, the highlight of the Proteas’ innings was Aiden Markram’s record-breaking century. Markram cut into Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, hitting 106 off just 54 deliveries. His century took just 49 balls, breaking the World Cup record of 50 balls set by Kevin O’Brien in 2011. Markram’s knock included 14 boundaries and three sixes.
Sri Lanka’s courageous effortsFaced with a difficult target of 429 people, Sri Lanka’s response was vigorous, but ultimately fell short. Kusal Mendis, Charice Asaranka and captain Dasun Shanaka played important knockouts, each scoring a quick half-century to keep Sri Lanka in the contest. Mendis was particularly aggressive, smashing 76 off 42 balls in an innings filled with eight sixes and four boundaries.
Despite these valiant efforts, Sri Lanka’s chase failed as they lost wickets at regular intervals. He was eventually bowled out for 326 in 44.5 overs, giving South Africa a comprehensive 102-run victory. Although Sri Lanka fell short of their target, South Africa’s innings combined with a record-breaking match total of 754 runs is the highest in World Cup history.
A game to keep recordsThis match broke several records. In addition to Markram’s then record for fastest World Cup century (broken by Glenn Maxwell three weeks later) and most goals for South Africa, he also set a record for most goals scored in a World Cup match. Additionally, the match saw 105 boundaries, the most in a World Cup match.