Sri Lanka posted a new low total of 42 runs in Test cricket during their match against South Africa, with Marco Jansen taking 7 wickets for 13 runs. This score marks the lowest in Sri Lanka’s history and the second shortest completed innings in Test cricket. South Africa leads the match by 149 runs following their first innings total of 191.
In a dismal performance, Sri Lanka was bowled out for a record low total of 42 runs during the first innings of the first Test match against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. This monumental low score surpasses Sri Lanka’s previous lowest total of 71 recorded against Pakistan in 1994. Fast bowler Marco Jansen was the chief architect of this collapse, striking with staggering figures of 7 wickets for merely 13 runs in 7 overs. Furthermore, this total is now the lowest by any team against South Africa, with New Zealand previously holding the record for a total of 45 in 2013.
The innings lasted only 83 balls, representing the second shortest completed innings in Test cricket history, trailing only behind South Africa’s own dismal performance of 30 against England in 1924, which lasted just 75 balls. Amid the overwhelming bowling dominance, only two Sri Lankan batsmen managed to score in double figures, with Kamindu Mendis producing 13 runs and Lahiru Kumara finishing on an unbeaten 10. South Africa, having posted 191 initially, thus achieved a significant lead of 149 runs going into their second innings, with Temba Bavuma leading the charge for the hosts with a score of 70.
This incident marks a significant event in cricket history, particularly for Sri Lanka, as they hit an unprecedented low in Test match totals that surpasses 27 years of batting history for the country. Over the years, Sri Lanka had established itself as a competitive side, and such a monumental collapse against South Africa sheds light on the challenges they face, particularly when dealing with seam-friendly pitches. Marco Jansen’s exceptional performance highlights the capacity of fast bowlers to exploit favorable conditions, and acts as a stark reminder of the unpredictability that can occur in the sport. The match’s context—the ongoing Test series and both teams’ motivations—adds further depth to this situation as it influences team morale and performance in subsequent matches.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s total of 42 runs is now recorded as the lowest in their history and the second shortest innings in Test cricket, emphasizing the difficulties teams can encounter on challenging pitches. Fast bowler Marco Jansen’s exemplary performance is a key highlight of the match, raising questions regarding the dynamics of batting against skilled seam bowlers. South Africa’s commanding lead of 149 runs places them in a strong position as they proceed to their second innings, reinforcing their dominance in this first Test.
Original Source: www.france24.com
