Sri Lanka’s cricket team faced a historic setback in Test cricket, recording their lowest-ever total of 42 in the first innings against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban.
This dismal performance surpassed their previous lowest total of 71, recorded against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994.
South African pacers Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Jansen was particularly devastating, finishing with figures of 7 for 13 in just 6.5 overs. The Kingsmead pitch, offering significant bounce and seam movement, left the Sri Lankan batters clueless. Compounding the issue, the Sri Lankan batters played several reckless shots, adding to the chaos and quickening their collapse.
- Lowest Test Total for Sri Lanka: 42 (Durban, 2024) Previous Lowest Total: 71 (vs Pakistan, Kandy, 1994)
- Jansen’s Figures: 7-13 in 6.5 overs – the second-fastest seven-wicket haul in terms of balls bowled.
- Test Cricket History: The innings collapse ranks as the 12th-lowest total ever in Test cricket. New Zealand’s 26 (vs England, 1955) remains the lowest Test score.
- World Test Championship (WTC): Sri Lanka’s 42 is now the 2nd-lowest total in WTC history, with India’s infamous 36 all out (vs Australia, 2020) still at the top.
- Fewest Balls Faced: Sri Lanka were bowled out in just 83 legitimate balls (13.5 overs). Only one team in Test cricket history has been dismissed in fewer deliveries—South Africa, bowled out in 75 balls against England at Birmingham in 1924.
This innings debacle not only highlighted the Sri Lankan batters’ inability to handle pace-friendly conditions but also exposed their lack of discipline in shot selection. (NewsWire)
