In Durban, South Africa bowled out Sri Lanka for just 42 runs, marking Sri Lanka’s lowest Test innings score. Marco Jansen took 7 wickets for 13 runs, while Kamindu Mendis was the top scorer with 13 runs. Sri Lanka’s innings lasted only 83 balls, the second shortest in men’s Test history.
In a stunning display of bowling prowess, South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka for a mere 42 runs during the second day of the first Test in Durban. This total marks the lowest innings score in the history of Sri Lanka’s men’s Test cricket. Faced with a challenging first innings score of 191, Sri Lanka crumbled within just 13.5 overs, achieving only two players in double figures: Kamindu Mendis with 13 runs and Lahiru Kumara with 10 runs. Marco Jansen delivered a devastating performance, recording career-best bowling figures of 7 for 13 in 6.5 overs. Alongside him, Gerald Coetzee contributed with 2 for 18, and Kagiso Rabada accounted for 1 for 10. This innings stands as only the eighth occurrence in men’s Test cricket where a team has been dismissed for fewer than 42 runs, with Sri Lanka surpassing their previous lowest score of 71, achieved against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994. Remarkably, their innings spanned only 83 balls, making it the second shortest complete innings in men’s Test history, following South Africa’s record of 30 runs in 1924.
Cricket, particularly Test cricket, is a format where teams often showcase their skills over multiple days. Achieving a low score typically indicates a significant bowling achievement by the opposing team. The context of this record highlights the challenges faced by the Sri Lankan team, which struggled against South Africa’s formidable pace attack. The historical significance of their low score situates Sri Lanka among a select group of teams who have faced similar fates in the history of Test matches. This match reflects not only the efficiency of the South African bowlers but also emphasizes the difficulties in adapting to challenging pitch conditions, which are vital elements in the cricketing arena.
The recent Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa highlighted a historic low for Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team, bowled out for just 42 runs. With this performance, Sri Lanka sets a new benchmark for their lowest Test innings, shattered by an outstanding South African bowling unit, particularly Marco Jansen. This event not only demonstrates the volatility of cricket but also serves as a stark reminder of the competitiveness inherent in Test matches.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
