SA vs SL 1st Test: Sri Lanka’s total of 42 runs in their Test match against South Africa in Durban marked a historic low for the team. This was their lowest-ever total in Test cricket, surpassing their previous record of 71 all out against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994.
This dismal performance also stands as the second-lowest total in the World Test Championship, with only India’s infamous 36 all out against Australia in 2020 falling lower.
Key Records from Sri Lanka’s Collapse in SA vs SL 1st Test
Sri Lanka’s Lowest Test Totals
- 42 all out in Durban (2024)
- Previous lowest: 71 all out vs. Pakistan (1994, Kandy)
Shortest All-Out Innings
Sri Lanka batted just 13.5 overs during their collapse. This is the second-shortest all-out innings in Test cricket history, behind South Africa’s 12.3 overs during their 30 all out against England in the 1924 Birmingham Test.
Marco Jansen’s Record-Breaking Spell in SA vs SL 1st Test
- 7 wickets in 41 balls: Marco Jansen’s incredible performance saw him take seven wickets in just 41 balls, equaling the record for the fewest deliveries bowled to achieve this feat. The only other bowler to achieve this is Hugh Trumble against England in the 1904 Melbourne Test.
- 13 runs conceded: Jansen gave away only 13 runs during his seven-wicket haul. This ranks him among the most economical bowlers to claim seven or more wickets in a Test innings. The record for the fewest runs conceded remains with George Lohmann, who took 8 for 7 against South Africa in 1896.
Additional Records and Notable Stats in SA vs SL 1st Test
- Lowest Total Against South Africa
Sri Lanka’s 42 all out is the lowest total by any team against South Africa in Tests. The previous record was 45 all out by New Zealand in Cape Town in 2013. - Third-Lowest Total in South Africa
This is the third-lowest total in Tests played in South Africa:
- 30 all out by South Africa vs. England (1896, Gqeberha)
- 35 all out by South Africa vs. England (1899, Cape Town)
- Five Ducks
Sri Lanka had five batters dismissed for ducks in their innings, equaling their record for the most ducks in a Test innings. This has happened twice before:
- Against India in Chandigarh (1990)
- Against New Zealand in Wellington (2006)
- Single-Digit Scores
Jansen dismissed all seven of his victims for single-digit scores, a feat rarely achieved. Since 1970, only two other bowlers have done this:
- Stuart Broad vs. New Zealand (2013, Lord’s)
- Mitchell Johnson vs. England (2013, Adelaide)
- South Africa’s First-Innings Lead
South Africa took a lead of 149 runs after bowling Sri Lanka out for 42. This is the highest lead achieved by any team after being bowled out for fewer than 200 runs in their first innings. The previous record was 118 runs by Australia against Pakistan at the WACA in 1981. - Prabath Jayasuriya’s Milestone
Despite the team’s struggles, Prabath Jayasuriya reached 100 Test wickets in just 17 matches, becoming the joint second-fastest to the milestone. Only George Lohmann achieved the feat faster, doing so in 16 Tests in 1896.
Conclusion – SA vs SL 1st Test
Sri Lanka’s collapse in SA vs SL 1st Test in Durban was a historic low, highlighting both their struggles and South Africa’s exceptional bowling performance. Marco Jansen’s record-breaking spell and the team’s dominance have etched this match into the annals of cricket history.
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