Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 42 runs by South Africa in Durban, marking the lowest Test innings in the team’s history. Marco Jansen achieved remarkable bowling figures of 7-13, while only two Sri Lankan batters reached double digits. This innings ended after just 13.5 overs, becoming the second-shortest in men’s Test cricket history.
In a historic low, Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team was dismissed for just 42 runs by South Africa during the second day of the first Test held in Durban. This match saw Sri Lanka eclipsing their previous record, which was set in 1994 when they scored 71 runs against Pakistan in Kandy. The innings was completed in a mere 13.5 overs, with Marco Jansen delivering a remarkable performance, achieving career-best figures of 7 wickets for only 13 runs across 6.5 overs. He was ably supported by teammates Gerald Coetzee, who claimed 2 wickets for 18 runs, and Kagiso Rabada with 1 for 10.
The brief innings not only marks a new low for Sri Lanka but also stands as the second-shortest innings in men’s Test history, consisting of just 83 balls. The only lower total recorded was South Africa’s score of 30 runs, which was achieved against England at Edgbaston in 1924. Notably, only two Sri Lankan players, Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara, managed to reach double figures, scoring 13 and 10 runs, respectively. This match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the team in the current Test series against a dominant South African bowling attack.
Sri Lanka’s abysmal performance against South Africa has raised considerable concerns regarding their batting capabilities in Test cricket. This match can be a pivotal moment in the team’s history, showcasing how even historically strong teams can endure catastrophic innings. The incident is significant not only for setting a new low for Sri Lankan cricket but also in the broader context of Test match history, indicating the unpredictability of the game and the value of quality bowling. Furthermore, South Africa’s bowling strength has been exemplified in this match, highlighting their prowess on home soil.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s record-low score of 42 runs against South Africa is a crucial event in the annals of cricket, reflecting both the urgency for improvement within the team and South Africa’s exceptional bowling skills. Such performances can often serve as turning points in a team’s trajectory, prompting necessary evaluations of strategy and skills. As both teams move forward, the lessons drawn from this match will undoubtedly influence future encounters in the Test arena.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
