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The opening Test between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, witnessed a shocking turn of events as the Sri Lankan side crumbled to a mere 42 runs in their first innings. This dismal performance marked Sri Lanka’s lowest Test total of the 21st century and the third-lowest total in Test cricket during this period.
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Marco Jansen Wreaks Havoc
South African speedster Marco Jansen was the standout performer, delivering a devastating spell of fast bowling. Jansen scalped five wickets for just 13 runs in 6.5 overs, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup and exposing their struggles against pace and bounce.
Lowest Test Totals in the 21st Century
Sri Lanka’s collapse places them third on the list of lowest Test totals in the 21st century. Here’s how the rankings stand:
| Team | Opposition | Total | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Australia | 36 | Adelaide |
| Ireland | England | 38 | Lord’s |
| Sri Lanka | South Africa | 42 | Durban |
A Low-Scoring Affair
The match has been a low-scoring contest so far. South Africa were bowled out for 191 in their first innings, with Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara claiming six wickets between them.
However, Sri Lanka’s response was far from ideal. The visiting batters failed to cope with the relentless South African pace attack. Jansen led the charge, supported by the rest of the bowling unit, as Sri Lanka folded for 42 runs in just 18 overs, conceding a significant first-innings lead of 149 runs.
What Lies Ahead
With South Africa taking a commanding position in the Test, Sri Lanka will need a remarkable turnaround in their second innings to avoid a crushing defeat. This dramatic collapse has left fans and analysts stunned, adding another chapter to the history of shocking batting failures in Test cricket.
