In an electrifying Cricket World Cup 2023 opener held in New Delhi, South Africa sent shockwaves through the cricketing world by amassing an astonishing total of 428 for 5 in their 50 overs against Sri Lanka. This remarkable performance saw them establish new records and showcase their prowess with the bat.
Record-Breaking Innings
South Africa shattered several records during their whirlwind innings, which began after Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to field on a scorching day in the Indian capital. Notably, they eclipsed the previous highest team total in a World Cup match, surpassing Australia’s 417 for 6 against Afghanistan in Perth back in 2015. South Africa’s achievement stood out as they exceeded this mark by a considerable margin, courtesy of a barrage of boundaries and sixes.
Blistering Batting Display
South Africa’s batters unleashed a relentless assault on the Sri Lankan bowling attack, hammering a total of 45 boundaries and 14 sixes. Dasun Shanaka, leading an injury-hit bowling unit, found himself at a loss as he struggled to contain the onslaught in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Highest Totals in World Cups
- 428/5 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka in New Delhi in 2023
- 417/6 – Australia vs Afghanistan in Perth in 2015
- 413/5 – India vs Bermuda in Port of Spain in 2007
- 411/4 – South Africa vs Ireland in Canberra in 2015
- 408/5 – South Africa vs West Indies in Sydney in 2015
Aiden Markram’s Explosive Century
A standout performer for South Africa in this historic innings was Aiden Markram, who entered the crease during the 31st over and proceeded to achieve the fastest-ever hundred in a World Cup match. Markram’s century came off just 49 balls, breaking Kevin O’Brien’s record of 50 balls set in 2011 against England.
Fastest ODI World Cup Hundreds
- 49 – Aiden Markram vs Sri Lanka, Delhi in 2023
- 50 – Kevin O’Brien vs England, Bengaluru in 2011
- 51 – Glenn Maxwell vs Sri Lanka, Sydney in 2015
- 52 – AB de Villiers vs West Indies, Sydney in 2015
A Historic Feat
This astonishing innings also marked the first instance in a World Cup match where three batters from a single team scored centuries in a single innings. Such a feat had only occurred four times in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket, underscoring South Africa’s dominance and the exceptional performance by their top-order batsmen.
South Africa’s commanding start in the Cricket World Cup 2023 opener against Sri Lanka has set a formidable benchmark for the tournament, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating more thrilling encounters in this prestigious competition.
