New Delhi: South Africa shattered records in their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. The Proteas posted the highest-ever total in a World Cup match, piling up 428/5 in 50 overs. This was also the first time that three batsmen from the same team scored hundreds in a World Cup game.
The South African innings was a display of fearless and aggressive batting from the top order. Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram all reached triple figures, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers to the sword. De Kock set the tone with a fluent 100 off 87 balls, while van der Dussen anchored the innings with a solid 108 off 103 balls. Markram provided the finishing touches with a blistering 106 off 51 balls, smashing 10 fours and six sixes.
Markram also etched his name in the record books by scoring the fastest century in World Cup history. He reached his hundred in just 49 balls, breaking the previous record of 50 balls held by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien. O’Brien had achieved this feat against England in the 2011 World Cup.
The Sri Lankan bowlers had no answer to the onslaught from the South African batsmen. Only Dushmantha Chameera managed to take two wickets, but he was also expensive, conceding 88 runs in his 10 overs. The other bowlers also leaked runs at an alarming rate, as South Africa reached a mammoth total of 428/5.
South Africa’s score surpassed the previous highest total in a World Cup match, which was 417/6 by Australia against Afghanistan in 2015. It also equaled the fourth-highest total in ODI history, and the highest ever by South Africa. The Proteas will be hoping to carry this momentum into their next matches, as they aim to win their maiden World Cup title.
