ODI World Cup 2023: South Africa's batters go berserk, rewrite records in game against Sri Lanka

The first innings of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed a record-breaking performance. South Africa posted a massive total of 428 runs for the loss of just 5 wickets, setting a new record in World Cup history. The previous highest total was achieved by Australia, scoring 417/6 (50) against Afghanistan in Perth in 2015.

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This innings also marked a historic moment as three batsmen scored centuries in the same innings for the first time in World Cup history. Quinton de Kock notched up his maiden ICC World Cup century, scoring 100 off 84 balls, while Aiden Markram became the fastest batsman to reach a century in the history of the ICC World Cup, achieving it in just 54 balls. Rassie van der Dussen also joined the century club, scoring 108 off 110 balls.

The remarkable batting display began after Sri Lanka's bowlers dismissed South African skipper Temba Bavuma for just 8 runs. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen initially played cautiously in the first 10 overs but shifted gears after the powerplay. Despite their eventual dismissals, the incoming batsmen continued the onslaught.

Heinrich Klaasen contributed with 32 runs, David Miller remained unbeaten with 39*, and Marco Jansen added 12* runs to the total. Sri Lankan bowlers, including Dilshan Madushanka (2 wickets), Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage, and Kasun Rajitha (1 wicket each), struggled to contain the South African batsmen.