South Africa made a stunning start to their 2023 Cricket World Cup campaign, with three centurions breaking World Cup records in their opening match against Sri Lanka. Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Rassie van der Dussen all scored hundreds as the Proteas posted a mammoth 401/6, the highest total in World Cup history. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 264 in reply, giving South Africa a convincing 137-run victory.
South Africa record-breaking innings
South Africa’s innings was a masterclass in batting. Markram set the tone with a fluent 112 off 103 balls, while de Kock and van der Dussen consolidated the innings with centuries of their own. De Kock reached his hundred off just 68 balls, while van der Dussen was more circumspect, taking 111 balls to reach three figures.
The trio of centurions broke a number of World Cup records in their innings. Markram, de Kock and van der Dussen became the first three players in World Cup history to score centuries in the same innings. They also became the first three players in World Cup history to score centuries in the same innings against Sri Lanka.
In addition, Markram and de Kock’s partnership of 235 was the highest opening partnership in World Cup history. It was also the second-highest partnership for any wicket in World Cup history, behind only the 275-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in 2007.
Sri Lanka’s response against South Africa
Sri Lanka was never really in the hunt in reply to South Africa’s mammoth total. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 264 in the 47th over.
The only bright spark for Sri Lanka was a half-century from Pathum Nissanka, who scored 72 off 74 balls. However, Nissanka’s efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from suffering a heavy defeat.
South Africa’s record-breaking innings
South Africa’s innings against Sri Lanka was one of the most dominant batting performances in World Cup history. The Proteas scored a mammoth 401/6, the highest total in World Cup history.
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen all scored centuries, the first time three players in the same team have achieved this feat in a World Cup innings. Markram and de Kock’s opening partnership of 235 was also the highest opening partnership in World Cup history.
South Africa’s batting performance was a testament to the depth and quality of their batting lineup. On a batting-friendly pitch, the Proteas batsmen took full advantage, and they were able to post a total that was simply too much for Sri Lanka to chase.
Sri Lanka’s response
Sri Lanka was never really in the hunt in reply to South Africa’s mammoth total. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 264 in the 47th over.
Pathum Nissanka was the only bright spark for Sri Lanka, scoring a half-century in a losing cause. However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batsmen failed to fire, and they were unable to keep up with the required run rate.
Sri Lanka’s bowling performance was also disappointing. They were unable to take wickets at regular intervals, and they allowed the South African batsmen to settle in and score big.
Conclusion
South Africa’s victory in their opening match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup was a dominant performance. They were the better team in all three departments of the game, and they deserved to win convincingly.
South Africa will be looking to build on their momentum in their next match against the West Indies. If they can continue to play in this way, they will be one of the teams to beat in the tournament.
Additional thoughts
South Africa’s victory over Sri Lanka was a significant one for a number of reasons. First, it was their first win in a World Cup opening match since 1999. Second, the total of 401/6 was their highest ever in a World Cup match. Third, the three centurions in the same innings was a World Cup record.
The victory also showed that South Africa has the potential to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup. They have a batting lineup that can match any team in the world, and their bowling attack is also very strong. If they can continue to play in this way, they will be one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
