Sri Lanka experienced a historic setback, bowled out for an astonishing total of 42 runs by South Africa in Durban, marking the lowest Test innings in their men’s Test history. Marco Jansen delivered a standout performance with career-best figures of 7-13, while only Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara reached double figures. This innings stands as the second-shortest in men’s Test history, only behind South Africa’s 30 runs in 1924 against England.
In a historic low-performance match, Sri Lanka recorded their lowest Test innings score by being bowled out for 42 runs against South Africa in Durban. This dismal outcome occurred on day two of the first Test, as Sri Lanka attempted to chase down South Africa’s first innings total of 191. The Sri Lankan side was dismissed in just 13.5 overs, with Marco Jansen achieving impressive bowling figures of 7 wickets for 13 runs across 6.5 overs, supported by his teammates Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada, who contributed 2 for 18 and 1 for 10, respectively.
The previous record for Sri Lanka’s lowest Test innings was 71 runs, amassed against Pakistan in Kandy back in 1994. Registered as only the second-shortest innings to conclude in men’s Test cricket history, Sri Lanka’s innings lasted a mere 83 balls. Throughout the storied history of Test cricket, only eight other teams have been dismissed for a total less than 42. Of the Sri Lankan batters, Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Kumara were the only individuals to score in double digits, with Mendis making 13 runs and Kumara, 10.
This match highlights the challenges Sri Lanka faced against a formidable South African bowling attack, marking a significant moment in the landscape of Test cricket. South Africa’s exceptional bowling performance, particularly from Marco Jansen, has attracted attention and showcased the team’s potential at the international level. The previous record of being out for 30 runs by South Africa itself against England in 1924 at Edgbaston serves as a historical parallel to Sri Lanka’s current challenges.
The occurrence of Sri Lanka being bowled out for just 42 runs represents not only a significant low point for the team but also places them in a rare category within the annals of Test cricket. Since its inception, only eight teams have registered scores lower than that of 42, underscoring the rarity of such performances. The context of South African dominance in this match indicates a particularly challenging atmosphere for the Sri Lankan batsmen, who approached the innings against a skilled bowling lineup that effectively dismantled their batting order. This match serves as a crucial reminder of the fluctuating nature of team performance at the elite level, as evident in Test cricket’s storied history.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s unprecedented low score of 42 against South Africa marks a historical moment in Test cricket, recorded as the lowest innings total for the Sri Lankan men’s team. With Marco Jansen leading the South African charge, the match underscores the unpredictability and challenges present in high-stakes cricket. As one of the lowest scores registered in Test history, it highlights both individual and team performance factors pivotal in the realm of competitive cricket.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
