South Africa made a huge statement in their World Cup match against Sri Lanka on Saturday, posting a mammoth total of 428/5. Aiden Markram led the way with the fastest century in World Cup history, reaching his hundred off just 49 balls. He was joined by Quinton De Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, who also notched up centuries of their own.
This was only the third time in Cricket World Cup history that a team had scored over 400 runs, and South Africa became the first team ever to achieve this feat. The previous highest total in a World Cup match was Australia’s 417/7 against Afghanistan in the 2015 edition.
De Kock set the stage for a big total with his knock of 100 off 84 balls, while Van der Dussen played a vital role with his innings of 108 off 110 balls. Markram then took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers, smashing his way to 106 off just 54 balls.
In total, the South African trio hit 39 fours and eight sixes. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller also contributed with quickfire cameos towards the end of the innings.
The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to contain the South African batsmen on a favorable pitch. Apart from an early wicket taken by Dilshan Madushanka, the Sri Lankan bowlers were unable to make any significant breakthroughs.
De Kock and Van der Dussen put on a partnership of 204 runs, only ending when Van der Dussen was dismissed. Both batsmen achieved their maiden World Cup centuries in the process, with Van der Dussen also celebrating his 50th ODI with a fifth hundred of his career.
Markram’s century was particularly special, as he broke the record for the fastest World Cup ton previously held by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien.
Sri Lanka had a few chances to break the partnership, but missed opportunities cost them dearly. Van der Dussen was dropped on 65 and a mix-up between De Kock and Van der Dussen resulted in a failed run-out attempt.
However, shortly after reaching his century, De Kock fell to a top edge off the bowling of Pathirana. Van der Dussen also didn’t last much longer after his century.
With no turn or grip for the Sri Lankan spinners, the South African batsmen took full advantage. The ball slid onto the bat, allowing them to score at a high rate in the middle overs.
Overall, it was a dominant batting display by South Africa, sending a strong message to the rest of the teams in the World Cup.