South Africa’s strong start
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the stage for South Africa’s strong batting performance. Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram delivered standout centuries as the Proteas amassed a formidable 428/5. Notably, this total now stands as the highest team score in ODI World Cup history, reflecting the South Africa’s batting prowess.
Sri Lanka’s challenging chase
Chasing a monumental target, Sri Lanka faced an early setback as opener Pathum Nissanka departed for a duck. However, wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis showcased exceptional determination and resilience, contributing 76 runs before falling to the premier pacer Kagiso Rabada in the 13th over. Sri Lanka found themselves struggling at 150/5.
Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka’s fighting partnership
Despite the adversity, Charith Asalanka (79) and captain Dasun Shanaka (68) displayed unwavering resolve, stitching together a vital 82-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Their efforts gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope.
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South Africa’s resolute bowling
Nevertheless, the South African bowlers remained resolute. Lungi Ngidi eventually dismissed Asalanka, and soon after some time Shanaka too departed as it marked the eighth wicket falling. In the end, Sri Lanka fell short by 81 runs, highlighting South Africa’s well-rounded performance in both batting and bowling.
Player of the match: Aiden Markram
The Player of the Match award was rightly presented to Markram for his exceptional achievement of recording the fastest ODI hundred in World Cup history. Markram’s brilliant performance played a pivotal role in securing victory for the Proteas.
Looking Ahead
With this resounding victory, South Africa looks ahead to their upcoming fixtures in the tournament, aiming to build on this momentum and make a strong statement in the global showpiece event. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will seek to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming matches, determined to leave a mark on the competition.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A stellar batting performance helps South Africa to a massive win in their #CWC23 clash against Sri Lanka#SAvSL
: https://t.co/4jtdv0GMD8 pic.twitter.com/iwUmFw6Sg9
— ICC (@ICC) October 7, 2023
No better feeling than that Winning Feeling@Rassie72
#ForeverFaster pic.twitter.com/XJ63fL7qbz
— PUMA South Africa (@PUMASouthAfrica) October 7, 2023
A stellar batting performance helps South Africa to a massive win in their #CWC23 clash against Sri Lanka
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 7, 2023
South Africa wins by 102 Runs
Many records broken including Highest number of runs scored in an ODI match.
Sri Lanka gave a worthy fight back but fell behind.
A much needed confidence boost for theCaptain who seems to be entering into form. #lka #SriLanka…
— Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) October 7, 2023
SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 102 RUNS.
After 3 centuries and 428 runs on the board, it was too much to ask for from the Lankan batters. Proteas start their campaign with a big win.️#CWC23 #SLvSA pic.twitter.com/kgkngxq3TP
— Saif Ahmed(@saifahmed75) October 7, 2023
A Men's @cricketworldcup record-breaking century helps Aiden Markram win the coveted @aramco #POTM award
— ICC (@ICC) October 7, 2023
RESULT | #PROTEAS WIN BY 102 RUNS
A record-breaking match comes to an end as we get our #CWC23 campaign off to a solid start#SAvSL #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/akiL3z4Cyd
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 7, 2023
South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 102 runs, But good fight by Lankans. #SAvSL #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/siaWzPpPZx
— Nawaz(@Rnawaz31888) October 7, 2023
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