Sri Lanka Sets Record with Historic Low Test Total of 42 Runs Against South Africa
Sri Lanka was bowled out for 42 runs by South Africa in the first Test, marking their lowest total in Test history. Marco Jansen claimed 7 wickets for 13 runs. The innings lasted just 83 balls, the second shortest in men’s Test history. The team’s previous low was 71 runs against Pakistan in 1994.
In a historic and disappointing performance, Sri Lanka was dismissed for a mere 42 runs by South Africa during the first Test held in Durban, marking their lowest Test innings ever recorded. This dismal effort came in pursuit of South Africa’s first innings total of 191, concluding their innings in just 13.5 overs. Marco Jansen achieved remarkable figures of 7 wickets for 13 runs over 6.5 overs, supported by Gerald Coetzee, who secured 2 wickets for 18 runs, and Kagiso Rabada, who took 1 for 10. The only Sri Lankan batters to reach double figures were Kamindu Mendis with 13 runs and Lahiru Kumara with 10 runs. Notably, this innings represented the second shortest in men’s Test cricket history, lasting merely 83 balls, compared to the all-time record of 30 runs in 75 balls by South Africa against England in 1924.
The context of Sri Lanka’s recent performance highlights the challenges faced by their men’s cricket team in the international arena. Their previous lowest Test innings was 71 runs against Pakistan in 1994, marking a significant decline in their batting capabilities. This match also underscores South Africa’s bowling prowess, particularly that of Marco Jansen, who achieved his career-best figures, which further illustrates the contrasting strengths of these two cricketing nations. It is noteworthy that only eight occasions exist in men’s Test history where teams have been bowled out for fewer runs than Sri Lanka’s record of 42.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s record-low Test total of 42 against South Africa not only signifies a challenging period for their cricket team but also highlights the dominant bowling performance from South Africa, particularly from Marco Jansen. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket and the pressing need for Sri Lanka to reassess their strategies and performance in the Test format moving forward.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
