Sri Lanka recorded their lowest Test innings total of 42 runs, bowled out by South Africa in only 13.5 overs during the first Test in Durban. Marco Jansen excelled with impressive bowling figures of 7-13. Previous lows for Sri Lanka included a score of 71 against Pakistan in 1994, while their 83-ball innings is the second shortest in men’s Test history.
In a stunning collapse, Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 42 runs by South Africa during the second day of the first Test in Durban, marking the lowest innings total in the history of their men’s Test cricket team. This defeat comes in response to South Africa’s first innings total of 191. Marco Jansen achieved remarkable figures of 7 wickets for just 13 runs from 6.5 overs, supported by Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada, who claimed 2 and 1 wickets respectively. Only Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara managed to score in double digits, with scores of 13 and 10 runs, respectively.
The brief innings lasted only 83 deliveries, making it the second shortest innings resulting in a total dismissal in men’s Test cricket. The record for the lowest total was previously held by South Africa themselves, who were bowled out for 30 runs against England at Edgbaston in 1924. Before this match, Sri Lanka’s lowest total in Test cricket was 71 runs against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994. The occurrence of such a low score is rare in the annals of men’s Test cricket, with only eight teams having previously fallen below 42 runs in an innings.
The significance of this event is underscored by its historical context within cricket. This match not only highlights the challenges faced by the Sri Lankan team but also reflects the prowess of the South African bowlers, particularly Marco Jansen, whose performance was instrumental in this extraordinary defeat. The rarity of such low totals in Test cricket emphasizes the difficulties faced by batting line-ups in unfavorable conditions, a factor that can have lasting implications for team morale and performance in subsequent matches.
The fallout from Sri Lanka’s dismal performance against South Africa is substantial, marking a low point in the team’s Test history. This defeat not only highlights the critical need for a reassessment of the batting strategies but also emphasizes the need for resilience in future matches. With their next games, it will be essential for the Sri Lankan team to regroup and strategize effectively to prevent further instances of such humiliating results in international cricket.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
