Sri Lanka Suffers Historic Collapse, Bowled Out for 42 Runs Against South Africa
Sri Lanka has been bowled out for a record low of 42 runs against South Africa in the first Test, marking the shortest completed Test innings in the last century. This innings is tied for the ninth-lowest Test score in history, and Sri Lanka trails by 281 runs at the end of day three with South Africa reaching 3-132 in their second innings. The collapse included five batters failing to score and was exacerbated by Marco Jansen’s remarkable bowling performance, where he secured 7 wickets for 13 runs.
Sri Lanka has marked an unfortunate milestone in its cricket history by suffering its lowest-ever Test score, as they were all out for a mere 42 runs against South Africa in the first Test of the series in Durban. The innings, which lasted just 83 legal balls, is the shortest completed Test innings in a century. Sri Lanka’s poor performance has put them in a precarious position, trailing South Africa by 281 runs as they enter their second innings with South Africa comfortably placed at 3-132.
On day one, Sri Lanka faced a dismal collapse after being bowled out in just 13.5 overs. Despite the early promise of restricting South Africa to 191, the Sri Lankan team crumbled under pressure, showcasing a stark turnaround in fortune. The day ended poorly for Sri Lanka, with only five of their batters managing to avoid ducks, while Kamindu Mendis top-scored for the team with just 13 runs. The innings can be classified as one of the most remarkable collapses in Test cricket, both in terms of wickets and runs.
The last time Sri Lanka experienced such humiliation was in 1994 when they were dismissed for 71 runs against Pakistan. Their latest performance also ties with the ninth-lowest score ever recorded in a completed Test innings. Notably, Marco Jansen achieved extraordinary individual success, claiming 7 wickets for only 13 runs, making him the first player since 1904 to accomplish such a feat in fewer than seven overs. This historical Test match has drawn comparisons to prior instances of pronounced batting collapses in cricket, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the sport.
The current Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Durban has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Sri Lankan cricket team, particularly in the first innings. Such a drastic decline in performance places Sri Lanka’s batting lineup under scrutiny, especially in comparison to their historical worst scores. Batting collapses are not uncommon in cricket; however, recording a score as low as 42 raises concerns about preparation and mental fortitude in high-pressure situations, demanding closer examination of the team’s strategies moving forward.
The disheartening 42 runs scored by Sri Lanka in their latest Test match against South Africa marks one of the lowest points in the nation’s cricket history. With five batters getting ducks and an astonishing collapse that witnessed four wickets falling for no runs, the match underscores serious issues within the batting order. Moving forward, Sri Lanka must reassess its approach and resilience, particularly as they continue to trail South Africa by a significant margin heading into their second innings.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
