Sri Lanka Records Historic Low Test Total of 42 Against South Africa

Sri Lanka set a record low total of 42 in Test cricket against South Africa at Kingsmead, courtesy of Marco Jansen’s 7-13 bowling performance. This score marked a new low for Sri Lanka and the lowest total ever against South Africa. Only two players reached double figures as Sri Lanka struggled on a seam-friendly pitch, leaving them trailing by 149 runs after South Africa’s innings of 191.

In a historic low for Sri Lankan cricket, the national team was dismissed for a mere 42 runs in their first innings during the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. This score represents the lowest total in Sri Lanka’s Test cricket history, surpassing their former record of 71 runs against Pakistan in 1994. Fast bowler Marco Jansen was the standout performer for South Africa, achieving exceptional figures of 7 wickets for just 13 runs, effectively dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup in just 13.5 overs.

The match has also set a record for being the lowest total against South Africa, besting New Zealand’s previous minimal score of 45 in 2013. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s innings marked the second shortest completed innings in Test history, taking only 83 balls, just shy of the overall record of 75 balls set by South Africa when they were bowled out for 30 by England in 1924. Despite the challenges posed by the pitch favoring seam bowlers, only two Sri Lankan batsmen managed to reach double figures, with Kamindu Mendis top-scoring at 13 runs. Meanwhile, South Africa, who had posted 191 all out in their first innings, took a commanding lead of 149 runs into the second innings.

The significance of Sri Lanka’s record low total in Test cricket cannot be understated, especially given the historical context of cricket’s longest format. This match marks a dramatic point in Sri Lankan cricket, reflecting the challenges teams face when contending against potent bowling attacks on seam-friendly pitches. As test cricket has evolved, teams have increasingly emphasized pace and seam bowling. The Sri Lankan team’s inability to perform in such conditions could be indicative of deeper struggles within their batting lineup and strategies. Comparatively, South Africa’s consistency and performance under pressure highlighted their competitive edge in the match, showcasing the prowess of their bowlers, particularly Jansen, who excelled in this encounter.

In summary, the first Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Kingsmead saw Sri Lanka suffer a historic loss with an embarrassing score of 42 runs. This performance not only marked the lowest innings total in their Test history but also underscored South Africa’s dominance in the match. With Marco Jansen’s remarkable bowling figures, the Test serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by teams in the modern game, particularly when confronting strong bowling conditions. As the match progresses, Sri Lanka must regroup and reflect on the fundamental aspects of their game to avoid similar defeats in the future.

Original Source: www.france24.com