Sri Lanka was bowled out for a record-low score of 42 runs against South Africa in Durban during the first Test. Marco Jansen led the bowling attack with career-best figures. This innings marked Sri Lanka’s lowest total in Test history, surpassing their previous low of 71 runs in 1994. Only eight teams have been dismissed for fewer than 42 runs in men’s Test cricket.
In a remarkable display of bowling prowess, South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka for a mere 42 runs during the first Test match held in Durban. This innings marked the lowest total in the history of Sri Lanka’s men’s Test cricket team. The innings concluded after only 13.5 overs as Sri Lanka attempted to chase down South Africa’s first-innings score of 191. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler, recording exceptional figures of 7 wickets for just 13 runs in 6.5 overs, while Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada contributed with 2 for 18 and 1 for 10, respectively.
Sri Lanka’s previous lowest Test innings was 71 runs against Pakistan at Kandy in 1994, indicating the severity of their performance in this match. Notably, only eight teams in men’s Test cricket history have been bowled out for fewer than 42 runs. Within Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara were the only players to manage double figures, scoring 13 and 10 runs respectively. Their innings spanned just 83 balls, making it the second-shortest innings in men’s Test cricket history, following South Africa’s infamous 30 runs against England in 1924.
The significance of Sri Lanka’s collapse cannot be understated, as it represents a historic low for the team during a competitive format that demands skill and resilience. Test matches, known for their strategy and endurance, often reveal the strengths and weaknesses of a team. Bowling figures such as those achieved by Marco Jansen, alongside the misfires of the Sri Lankan batting order, illustrate the dynamic shifts that can occur within the game, highlighting the unpredictability inherent to this format. Furthermore, the context of previous records adds to the gravity of this innings, as Sri Lanka once managed slightly better totals during past matches, but now face scrutiny following such a dismal performance.
In conclusion, South Africa’s decisive bowling led to Sri Lanka’s unprecedented dismissal for just 42 runs, reflecting a momentous event in Test cricket history. Marco Jansen’s remarkable bowling performance underscored the dominance of the South African team during this match, while Sri Lanka’s failure to reach even 50 runs raises questions about their batting stability. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where one team’s excellence can highlight another’s shortcomings.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
