Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 42 Runs by South Africa: A Historic Low

In a historic achievement, South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for just 42 runs, marking the lowest Test total in Sri Lankan men’s cricket history. Marco Jansen excelled with 7 wickets for 13 runs while Sri Lanka’s innings lasted only 83 balls, the second shortest in men’s Test cricket history.

In a stunning display of bowling, South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka for a mere 42 runs in Durban, marking the lowest Test innings total in the history of the Sri Lankan men’s cricket team. This event transpired on day two of the first Test match, with Sri Lanka collapsing within just 13.5 overs while chasing South Africa’s first innings score of 191. Marco Jansen achieved remarkable figures of 7 wickets for 13 runs in 6.5 overs, while Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada contributed with 2 for 18 and 1 for 10 respectively. Only Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara reached double figures for Sri Lanka, scoring 13 and 10 runs respectively. The innings concluded in just 83 balls, making it the second shortest in men’s Test cricket history, falling short of only South Africa’s previous record of 30 all out in 1924.

The batting performance of Sri Lanka in this Test match highlights historical challenges faced in international cricket, particularly when the batting order collapses. Sri Lanka’s previous lowest Test total stood at 71 against Pakistan in 1994, demonstrating a decline and highlighting their struggles against proficient bowling attacks. With such a minimal score, this match serves as a critical moment for the team as they assess areas requiring improvement and focus on rebuilding their batsmen’s confidence. Additionally, the match underscores South Africa’s capability to execute a formidable bowling strategy, evident in Jansen’s extraordinary performance, which will be noted in the annals of cricketing history.

In summary, Sri Lanka’s record low Test innings of 42 against South Africa showcases the vulnerability of their batting lineup while simultaneously emphasizing the skill and effectiveness of South Africa’s bowling attack. Marco Jansen’s achievement of 7 for 13 marks not only a personal best but also plays a significant role in securing the match’s momentum for South Africa. This match will undoubtedly prompt discussions regarding the strategic development of the Sri Lankan cricket team moving forward.

Original Source: www.bbc.com