“Aiden Markram Sets Cricket World Cup Record with Fastest Century as Proteas Dominate Sri Lanka
Aiden Markram’s stunning performance in the Cricket World Cup saw him score the fastest century in the history of the tournament. This remarkable achievement, coupled with earlier centuries by Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, propelled the Proteas to an astonishing total of 428 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs.
The Proteas were asked to bat first in their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka.
Proteas Shine Despite Early Challenges
Sri Lanka’s captain, Dasun Shanaka, commented, “We have a very good track, and we aim to restrict them to the lowest possible total. Despite some key injuries, we are building up well.”
In response, Temba Bavuma fell victim to early movement on the unusually grassy Arun Jaitly Stadium pitch, getting trapped LBW for just 8 runs (off 5 balls, including 2 fours).
Rassie van der Dussen then joined Quinton de Kock at the crease, and they skillfully guided South Africa to 27 for 1 after three overs.
Kasun Rajitha’s maiden over helped Sri Lanka regain their footing, and the Proteas’ progress slowed, reaching only 31 for 1 at the end of the sixth over.
However, as De Kock and Van der Dussen settled in, Sri Lanka began to question their decision to bowl first.
The Proteas reached the 200-run mark with only one wicket down, and their scoreboard continued to tick over smoothly.
De Kock reached his century off 83 balls but was dismissed on the very next delivery. Aiden Markram then joined the action in the 31st over.
Markram quickly found his rhythm, assisting Van der Dussen in reaching his century in his 50th ODI appearance.
Van der Dussen eventually departed for 108, attempting to clear the boundary off Dunith Wellage. Despite the loss, the Proteas still managed to reach 291 for 3 with ten overs remaining, and Heinrich Klaasen joined Markram at the crease.
Klaasen propelled South Africa past the 300-run mark with a massive six, signaling their intent to attack.
Markram Takes Center Stage
In the 42nd over, Markram reached his fifty and showcased exquisite strokes on the cricket pitch.
A blistering 43rd over left Sri Lanka bewildered. Klaasen (32 off 20 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes) sent a slower ball straight up in the air, but this brought David Miller to the crease.
Markram seemed unstoppable, consistently finding ways to send the ball to the boundary. With just five overs left in their innings, South Africa had amassed 362 for 4. Markram had an impressive 90 runs to his name, with Miller primarily focused on rotating the strike to his batting partner.
Young paceman Matheesha Pathirana, who bowls with a slingy action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, struggled to emulate his hero and conceded 95 runs in his ten overs.
Markram reached his century in a mere 49 balls, setting a new Cricket World Cup record for the fastest hundred.
Team Lineups
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha.
South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (w), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada.”
