SA vs SL, World Cup 2023: Record-breaking South Africa send warning notice with 102-run decimation of Sri Lanka

South Africa continued from where they left in their ODI series win over Australia as they began their World Cup campaign in New Delhi, flexing their batting muscle and sending a warning notice to the rest of the teams.

On Saturday, record books were rewritten as South Africa posted 428 on the board and sealed an xx-run win against former champions Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka did well to limit damage to their Net Run Rate as Charith Asalanka, captain Dasun Shanaka, and Kasun Rajitha came up with handy knocks after a sensational onslaught from Kusal Mendis.

However, never were they in the contest during the chase after South Africa rode on 3 centurions to post the highest total in World Cup history, going past Australia’s 417 from 8 years ago.

Thanks to Sri Lanka’s fighting effort with the bat, the record for the most runs scored in a World Cup match was broken with the two teams contributing to a tally of 754 runs in front of a healthy crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

It was the 2nd time in 4 innings South Africa have posted in excess of 400 and the 5th time in their last 7 innings that they have gone past 300.

MARKRAM LEADS RECORD-BREAKING DAY
South Africa were asked to bat by Dasun Shanaka on a hot afternoon in Delhi and their captain Temba Bavuma got out as early as the second over. However, Quinton de Kock, featuring in his last ODI World Cup, and Rassie van der Dussen put on a show with a 204-run stand for the 2nd wicket.

Both batters ended up hitting hundreds as Sri Lanka, with their depleted bowling line-up, had no answers to stop the onslaught. While Quinton de Kock hit 100 off 84 balls, and Rassie van der Dussen hit 108 in 110 balls, Aiden Markram took it to another level. The T20I captain hit 106 off just 54 balls as he compelted his century after walking into bat as late as the 31st over.

Aiden Markram broke Kevin O’Brien’s record of the fastest ODI hundred (50 balls) as he got to the three-figure mark in just 49 balls. Markram hit

14 boundaries and 3 sixes as he stitched handy stands with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller who tore into the bowling attack at the death overs.

A Men's @cricketworldcup record-breaking century helps Aiden Markram win the coveted @aramco #POTM award ⚡#CWC23 | #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/RDsy6BI5xu

— ICC (@ICC) October 7, 2023

Sri Lanká’s bowling unit looked concerning as they did not play Maheesh Theekshana, who is recovering from an injury. Without Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, the likes of Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madhushanka, Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage were all expensive.

South Africa batters hit 45 boundaries and 14 sixes in a statement of intent on a good batting deck in the capitaly city.