Sri Lanka has recorded its lowest-ever total in Test cricket history after being bowled out for just 42 runs in their first innings against South Africa in the opening Test match at Durban. The Sri Lankan batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from the South African pace attack, managing to survive only 13.5 overs.
This total surpasses their previous lowest score of 62 runs, marking a new low in the nation’s Test cricket journey.
South African fast bowler Marco Jansen was the star of the innings, delivering a devastating spell to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting order. Jansen took an astonishing 7 wickets for just 13 runs, leaving the visiting team in disarray. His lethal combination of pace, bounce, and swing proved too much for the Sri Lankan batters, who struggled to find any rhythm on a lively pitch.
Supporting Jansen, fellow pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje added further pressure, chipping in with crucial wickets to seal Sri Lanka’s fate.
South Africa batted first and managed to post a modest total of 191 runs in their first innings, with key contributions from Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Despite the seemingly manageable target, Sri Lanka’s batting collapse left them far behind.
In response, Sri Lanka’s innings started disastrously, with openers falling cheaply and the middle order offering little resistance. The rapid fall of wickets stunned both the team and fans, as partnerships failed to form and the batting lineup disintegrated.
The score of 42 now stands as:
- Sri Lanka’s lowest score in Test history, surpassing the previous record of 62 against India in 2008.
- The fifth-lowest score in the history of Test cricket worldwide.
Cricket analysts and fans expressed shock at the collapse, pointing to technical flaws, poor shot selection, and a lack of adaptability to the conditions as key reasons for the debacle.
“This is a day to forget for Sri Lankan cricket,” said a former national player during a post-match analysis. “The team needs to quickly regroup, learn from this, and make a strong comeback in the second innings.”
Sri Lanka will need a monumental effort in their second innings to avoid an innings defeat, while South Africa looks to capitalize on their dominant position and seal an early victory in the series.
