In a historic Test match, Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 42 runs by South Africa, marking Sri Lanka’s lowest total in men’s Test cricket. Marco Jansen excelled with 7 wickets for 13 runs, while the innings lasted only 83 balls, the second shortest in history.
In an astonishing display of dominance, the South African cricket team bowled Sri Lanka out for a mere 42 runs during the first Test match held in Durban. This marks the lowest innings total in the history of Sri Lanka’s men’s Test cricket. After struggling against South Africa’s first innings score of 191, Sri Lanka’s batsmen faltered dramatically, folding after just 13.5 overs. Marco Jansen achieved remarkable career-best figures of 7 wickets for 13 runs across 6.5 overs, while Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada contributed with 2 for 18 and 1 for 10 respectively. Only two Sri Lankan players, Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara, managed to score in double figures, with Mendis top-scoring at 13 runs. The inning was completed in a mere 83 balls, making it the second shortest for a team in men’s Test cricket, following South Africa’s own innings of 30 against England in 1924.
This record-setting incident occurred on Day Two of the first Test match, highlighting significant challenges faced by the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Prior to this match, Sri Lanka’s lowest Test innings was recorded at 71 runs against Pakistan in Kandy back in 1994. Historically, fewer than forty-two runs have only been achieved by teams on eight occasions in men’s Test history. The implications of such a low score not only reflect poor performance on the part of the batsmen but also underscore the efficacy of South Africa’s bowling attack, particularly Marco Jansen’s impressive figures.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s total of 42 runs underscores a historic low point for their men’s Test team while simultaneously showcasing the prowess of South Africa’s bowling attack, particularly through the exceptional performance of Marco Jansen. This match serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where even established teams can falter spectacularly.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
