South Africa began their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with a massive win against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in India’s Delhi on Saturday.
Batting first, South Africa was able to set a massive target of 429 runs for Sri Lanka, courtesy of Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram.
All three batters completed their centuries with Markram scoring the fastest 100 ever in World Cup history in just 49 balls, breaking Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien’s record, who scored hundred against England in 50 balls in 2011 World Cup.
Furthermore, this was also the highest ever total in the history of the ICC World Cup and the first time three different batters were able to score a century in a single innings.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka were all out for just 326 runs in 44.5 overs, which shows South Africa came prepared.
Sri Lanka had a rough start as opener Pathum Nissanka was sent back to the pavilion by Marco Jansen in the first over. However, Kusal Mendis was able to take charge and scored a quick 76 off 42 balls, including eight sixes and four fours.
However, he fell prey to Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka kept on losing wickets until Charith Asalanka played was able to score 79 off 65 balls with 12 boundaries.
Skipper Saun Shanaka also contributed 68 runs but nothing could help the team chase the tremendous total.
Sri Lanka will play Pakistan in Hyderabad on October 10, meanwhile South Africa will go up against Australia in Lucknow on October 12.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka – Highlights
Read more: World Cup 2023 – Pakistan vs Netherlands Match Highlights.
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