South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 102 runs. South Africa announced their presence in the ICC World Cup 2023 with a resounding victory over Sri Lanka by a margin of 102 runs. The Proteas achieved a historic feat by setting the highest-ever run total in the tournament, amassing an impressive 428 runs. In response, Sri Lanka’s chase ended at 326 runs. Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka formed a promising partnership for Sri Lanka, but Lungi Ngidi ended Asalanka’s innings. Sri Lanka faced a daunting task in pursuit of the high target set by South Africa.
South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 102 runs | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
Sri Lankan openers struggled to get their chase off to a quick start, with Marco Jansen dismissing Pathum Nissanka early on. However, Kusal Mendis displayed explosive batting form, launching consecutive sixes. Marco Jansen continued to trouble the Sri Lankan side, dismissing Kusal Perara leaving Sadeera Samarawickrama to support Kusal Mendis. South Africa’s innings were nothing short of spectacular, breaking records along the way. They became the first team in World Cup history to have three centuries in a single match. Aiden Markram also etched his name in history as the fastest century scorer in ICC cricket World Cup history. The team achieved the highest total score ever in the ICC World Cup.
While Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to claim the wickets of Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, the following batsmen, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, continued to dominate, inching South Africa closer to the 400-run mark. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen shifted gears after the initial powerplay, aggressively taking on the Sri Lankan spinners. Both batsmen reached their respective half-centuries, guiding their team to a substantial total.
During the initial 10 overs of the game, Sri Lankan pacers held the upper hand. Dilshan Madushanka delivered a superb ball that dismissed South African skipper Temba Bavuma. However, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen remained relatively quiet during this phase. In their World Cup opener on October 7, Sri Lanka’s captain, Dasun Shanaka, won the toss and opted to bowl at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. South Africa fielded four pacers and one specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj, while Sri Lanka went with three fast bowlers and as many all-rounders.
