Sri Lanka’s cricket team faced a disastrous outing on their tour of South Africa. In the first Test of a two-match series, they recorded their lowest-ever total in Test cricket, being bowled out for just 42 runs in their first innings.
This humiliating score broke their previous lowest of 71 runs, which they had recorded against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994. The first Test began on Wednesday in Durban, where Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first.
Batting first, South Africa struggled against the pace of Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, getting bowled out for 191 in 49.4 overs. Captain Temba Bavuma top-scored with 70 runs, while Keshav Maharaj added 24. Remarkably, six South African batters failed to reach double digits.
In response, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup collapsed spectacularly against Marco Jansen’s fiery pace. They managed to score only 42 runs in 13.5 overs. Kamindu Mendis was the top scorer with 13 runs, followed by Lahiru Kumara, who contributed 10.
Shockingly, five Sri Lankan batters were dismissed for ducks, while none of the others managed to reach double figures. Marco Jansen delivered a devastating spell, taking 7 wickets for just 13 runs in 6.5 overs, making him the hero of South Africa’s remarkable bowling display.
This dismal performance has put Sri Lanka in a precarious position, and they will need a miraculous turnaround to salvage the series.
