Opting to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss at the Arun Jaitley International Stadium, South Africa initially stumbled, losing their first wicket for a mere 10 runs in 1.4 overs. However, what followed was a breathtaking batting spectacle.
Quinton de Kock’s maiden World Cup ton
Quinton de Kock, the dynamic South African opener, spearheaded the resurgence with a scintillating performance. He blazed his way to a maiden World Cup century, amassing 100 runs from just 84 deliveries. De Kock’s sensational innings was adorned with 12 fours and three sixes, showcasing his aggressive yet elegant style of play. This remarkable achievement marked his 18th ODI hundred, propelling him past the legendary Jacques Kallis to become South Africa’s fourth-highest century-maker in One Day Internationals. Notably, de Kock had announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the tournament, making this century a poignant moment in his career.
Rassie van der Dussen’s stellar fifth ODI century
Joining forces with de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen contributed significantly to South Africa’s resurgence. He notched up his fifth century in a remarkable fashion, taking 103 balls to reach the milestone. Van der Dussen’s innings was punctuated with 12 fours and two sixes, a testament to his batting prowess. Moreover, this partnership between de Kock and van der Dussen etched a special place in World Cup history by marking the 199th and 200th centuries in the prestigious fifty-over World Cup’s illustrious history.
Aiden Markram’s record-breaking hundred
The Proteas’ batting extravaganza did not end there. Aiden Markram, entering the fray at number five, delivered a performance for the ages. He blazed his way to a blistering century in a mere 49 balls, shattering the previous record held by Ireland‘s Kevin O’Brien for the fastest ODI World Cup hundred, achieved in the 2011 edition. Markram’s explosive innings left fans and cricket enthusiasts in awe of his remarkable talent and ability to dominate on the world stage.
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South Africa’s record feat
The Proteas also achieved a historic milestone by breaking the record for the highest score in World Cup history. The Proteas’ relentless pursuit of runs began with de Kock and Van der Dussen, who set the stage for this remarkable achievement by taking their team past the 200-run mark in just 30 overs.
As they departed, Markram and David Miller continued the onslaught, ensuring that South Africa remained firmly in contention to break the record, especially against an injury-hit Sri Lanka side. With impeccable stroke play and unwavering determination, South Africa reached a staggering 428/5 in their allotted 50 overs. This monumental achievement saw them surpass Australia‘s eight-year-old record, solidifying their place in World Cup history as they etched their name in the record books.
Fan Reactions
The exceptional batting display by De Kock, Van der Dussen and Markram ignited a flurry of reactions on social media platforms. Fans from around the globe hailed their heroics and celebrated the Proteas’ batting prowess, making this match a memorable spectacle in the annals of cricket history.
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Here are the some amazing reactions:
This tweet from Virat Kohli back in 2018#AidenMarkram #CWC23 #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/HnCcs1HGWh
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 7, 2023
RECORD BROKEN
Aiden Markram now holds the record for the fastest World Cup century#CWC23 #SAvSL #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/p0X4Mknghl
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 7, 2023
200-run partnership between de Kock and van der Dussen. First ODI WC hundred for Quinton de Kock. De Kock's wicket.
All happened in just 4 balls of Pathirana's over.
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) October 7, 2023
A stunning 83-ball maiden ICC Cricket World Cup ton for Quinton de Kock@mastercardindia Milestones
#CWC23 | #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/C942YPXSs2
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 7, 2023
South Africa now have EIGHT 400+ totals in ODI cricket – the most by any team in history#WorldCup2023 #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/xzUgB0yFHO
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 7, 2023
– HIGHEST TOTAL IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD CUP
– MARKRAM SMASH FASTEST 100 IN WC HISTORY
– 3 HUNDREDS IN AN INNINGS
South Africa batters showed absolutely no mercy to Sri Lanka. They finish with 428 RUNS on the board.
Quinton de Kock 100 (84)
Van der Dussen 108 (110)
Aiden… pic.twitter.com/kLlRAisb8e
— Saif Ahmed(@saifahmed75) October 7, 2023
Quinton de Kock
It's a first World Cup century for QDK and what a knock it's been! Took his time upfront knowing he can catch up really quick. Such a mature and experienced innings!
Well done Quinny#CricketTwitter #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/homkkPKj0h
— Lawrence Bailey
(@LawrenceBailey0) October 7, 2023
Aiden Markram
FASTEST CENTURY IN WORLD CUP CRICKET!!
Absolute brute force and power from Sauce!! World class knock! Literally took the game by the scruff of the neck! Ruthlessness!! The guy is magic!!
Well done SAUCE!!!
— Lawrence Bailey
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