Marco Jansen’s outstanding 7-13 bowling led to Sri Lanka’s record-low Test total of 42 runs, marking their worst innings in history. South Africa, building a 281-run lead, also performed solidly with captain Temba Bavuma scoring 70 runs in the first innings, further asserting their dominance in the match.
In an astonishing display of bowling prowess, South Africa’s Marco Jansen propelled Sri Lanka to a new low in Test cricket by dismissing them for a mere 42 runs, marking the lowest total in their history. This exceptional feat was achieved within 14 overs during the second day of the first Test match at Kingsmead, where Jansen’s phenomenal figures of 7 wickets for just 13 runs enabled South Africa to seize a substantial 281-run lead by day’s end.
The match proceeded with South Africa having previously posted a first innings total of 191 before lunch. Jansen’s performance not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also placed him among a select group of bowlers, as he became the second player ever to claim seven wickets in under seven overs of a Test innings, emulating the legendary Australian cricketer Hugh Trumble from 1904. Jansen’s remarkable performance saw him clean bowl three Sri Lankan batsmen and take three more catches during the innings, concluding with a caught and bowled.
The Sri Lankan team’s total is tied as the ninth lowest innings score in Test history, and it eclipsed their previous worst score of 71 runs against Pakistan three decades prior. Additionally, this astonishing collapse represented the lowest innings total ever recorded at the Kingsmead venue, surpassing Bangladesh’s meager 53 runs in March 2022. Sri Lanka’s batting woes were compounded by poor decision-making, as five players failed to register a score. Kamindu Mendis was the highest scorer for Sri Lanka, managing just 13 runs.
In contrast, South Africa’s batting lineup displayed resilience, with captain Temba Bavuma emerging as the top scorer in the first innings with 70 runs. Encouragingly, Bavuma made a return to the field following an elbow injury and was not out at 24 by the conclusion of the day’s play, alongside Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 17 runs. Aiden Markram added 47 runs in the second innings before falling to Vishwa Fernando, as Prabath Jayasuriya achieved his 100th Test wicket in just 17 matches, marking his position as one of the quickest to reach this milestone.
This remarkable event in the field of cricket occurred during a Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, where Sri Lanka’s astonishingly low score highlighted severe batting deficiencies. Marco Jansen’s exceptional bowling performance stood out, drawing historical comparisons to legendary figures in the sport. This match further emphasizes the volatility of the batting strength within the Test format, bringing attention to the importance of strong and consistent performances against varied bowling attacks.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s dismal performance, culminating in a record low total of 42 runs, is a stark reminder of the pressures and challenges faced within Test cricket. Marco Jansen’s extraordinary bowling display not only secured a commanding position for South Africa in the match but also etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. This match has significant implications for both teams, impacting Sri Lanka’s morale and South Africa’s ambitions in the ongoing World Test Championship.
Original Source: www.cricket.com.au
