Sri Lanka faced a historic collapse, bowled out for just 42 runs by South Africa in Durban, marking the lowest Test total in their history. Marco Jansen’s remarkable bowling performance saw him achieve figures of 7-13, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s defeat. Their innings lasted only 83 balls, making it the second shortest in men’s Test cricket history.
In a historic setback for Sri Lanka, the team was bowled out for a mere 42 runs by South Africa during the second day of the first Test match in Durban. This total marks the lowest innings score recorded in the history of Sri Lanka’s men’s Test cricket. Responding to South Africa’s first innings of 191, Sri Lanka crumbled in just 13.5 overs, with Marco Jansen delivering a stellar performance; he claimed 7 wickets for just 13 runs. Furthermore, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada contributed with 2 and 1 wickets, respectively.
Notably, Sri Lanka’s previous record for the lowest Test innings was 71, achieved against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994. This recent outing places Sri Lanka among an exclusive group, as only eight teams have failed to surpass 42 runs in men’s Test history. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 13 runs, while Lahiru Kumara managed 10, illustrating the team’s struggles at the crease. The total of 83 balls faced by Sri Lanka ranks as the second shortest innings duration in this format, only behind South Africa’s own unprecedented score of 30 against England in Edgbaston in 1924.
The context of Sri Lanka’s staggering performance revolves around their ongoing Test series against South Africa, where they faced off in the first match of the series. Traditionally, Test cricket is a format characterized by longer innings and strategic play; however, the recent performances underscore the fragility of batting line-ups under pressure. South Africa, renowned for their pace attack, capitalized on home conditions, leading to a historic collapse of the Sri Lankan batting order. The significance of such totals is often discussed in the realm of cricket, reflecting both the challenges teams face and the factors contributing to extraordinary performances in sport.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s innings of 42 runs stands as a stark reminder of the volatility in Test cricket. The combination of exceptional bowling by South Africa and the lack of resilience from the Sri Lankan batsmen resulted in a record low total for the team. This match will undoubtedly be analyzed in detail by cricket analysts and enthusiasts alike, as it encapsulates the unpredictability and competitive nature of the sport.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
