@ProteasMenCSA
South Africa got their 2023 Cricket World Cup campaign off to a record-breaking start following a comprehensive 102 run victory over Sri Lanka.
The Proteas set a World Cup record for the highest total in the men’s ODI World Cup of 428 for five, the eighth time that South Africa scored over 400 runs between 2006 and 2023.
According to Cricinfo, the Proteas total surpassed the 417 for five by Australia against Afghanistan in 2015, and was also the highest against Sri Lanka.
Man of the Match Aiden Markram also broke a 12-year record for the fastest ton in the ODI World Cup with 100 off 49 balls, breaking the record set by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien against England in 2011.
He was one of three South African batters to score centuries in the Proteas innings, with the others being Quinton de Kock with 100 and Rassie van der Dussen with 108, among several other world and national records.
Speaking post-match, Markram said he “feels fantastic” about his performance and the team’s win.
He gave credit to De Kock and Van der Dussen for setting the platform for what turned out to be “an entertaining” game.
Captain Temba Bavuma was happy with the win, but said they did not produce a “clinical bowling attack” after Sri Lanka fought back to make 326 in 45.5 overs.
Cricket South Africa said it was “bursting with pride” at the Proteas performance.
Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, said the “spectacular win saw many milestones being set, including the highest total ever scored in a World Cup match – 428/5”.
“This is the third time South Africa has scored more than 400 runs in a World Cup match, two more than any other nation. We stand in awe of Aiden Markram's imperious 106 off just 54 balls, etching his name in the annals of cricket history for the fastest World Cup century (100 in 49 balls)”.
Nkwe also saluted the other centurions, De Kock and Van der Dussen, whose second-wicket partnership of 204 gave the Proteas a fabulous platform from which to build the record innings.
“This was the first-ever World Cup innings to include three centuries, and only the fourth in ODI history”.
South Africa’s next match will be against Australia on Thursday in Lucknow.
