In a historic bowling performance, South Africa stunned Sri Lanka by skittling them out for a record low of 42 runs in just 13.5 overs during the first Test match in Durban. This effort was spearheaded by Marco Jansen, who put on a spectacular display of fast bowling, capturing 7 wickets for just 13 runs in 6.5 overs. His masterclass in swing and pace proved too much for the Sri Lankan batting lineup, leading to one of their most demoralizing innings in recent history.

Sri Lanka’s batting collapse

Sri Lanka entered their innings with hopes of a strong showing but were immediately on the back foot as South Africa’s bowlers struck early and relentlessly. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Sri Lanka finding themselves at a dire 20/5 within the first few overs. The South African bowlers maintained precise lines and varying paces, keeping the opposition on edge. Key batsmen failed to build any significant partnerships, and the middle and lower order struggled to cope, resulting in a swift end. No Sri Lankan player managed to score more than 10 runs, and the team was dismissed for just 42 runs – setting an unenviable record as their lowest-ever Test score.

Marco Jansen’s unstoppable seven-wicket spell

Jansen’s remarkable spell was the highlight of the day, showcasing his ability to bowl with both aggression and control. His combination of pace and movement made him unplayable, and he delivered crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Kagiso Rabada was another standout, contributing 1/10 in his 4 overs and maintaining relentless pressure. Gerald Coetzee was also impressive, taking 2/18 from 3 overs. The trio’s cohesive and disciplined approach ensured Sri Lanka’s run rate remained low and scoring opportunities were minimal, highlighting South Africa’s tactical excellence.

South Africa’s batting effort in response

Earlier, South Africa’s first innings were not without their own struggles. After losing Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi early, the team found themselves at 14/2. However, Temba Bavuma steadied the ship with a composed innings, scoring 70 runs off 117 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a six. His technical prowess and calm demeanor provided the foundation for South Africa’s innings. Additional contributions from Tristan Stubbs (16 off 38) and Keshav Maharaj (24 off 35) boosted the total, and South Africa was ultimately dismissed for 191 runs in 49.4 overs.

Here’s how fans reacted:

While all Sri Lanka needed to do was to see off the new ball(10-15 overs).
So much time and a surface getting flatter by the second. Too many loose shots!

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 28, 2024

What have we just witnessed here!😱😃
A record lowest innings at Kingsmead here

🇱🇰Sri Lanka are bowled out for 42 (1st Innings)#WozaNawe#BePartOfIt #SAvSL

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 28, 2024

Historic low for Sri Lanka in Test cricket: Bowled out for 42 in Durban, their lowest-ever Test total pic.twitter.com/v8SEInIpuJ

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) November 28, 2024

Sri Lanka 42 all-out – their lowest total in Tests #SAvSL

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) November 28, 2024

Sri Lanka crumble to their lowest Test total ever, eclipsing the infamous 71 all out at Asgiriya in 1994. Adding to the ignominy, it’s also the lowest total ever recorded against South Africa by any team in Test cricket. They lasted just 13.5 overs in an hour of madness.

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) November 28, 2024

Sri Lanka all out for 42 inside 14 overs in Durban. The good news, though, is they’ve managed to avoid the follow on. 💪

— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) November 28, 2024

Sri Lanka all out 42.

Their lowest test total ever.

Previous record was 71 vs India in 1994.

The Proteas broke a 30 year record today!#SAvSL

— Johann Biermann 🇿🇦 (@JohannBiermann1) November 28, 2024

Marco Jansen 7/13 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vqAVkPPURe

— Werner (@Werries_) November 28, 2024

career best Test figures for Marco Jansen 7-13 #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/LGhr1FPFli

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) November 28, 2024

Marco Jansen produces these unplayable spells some days (not the case today – he bowls even better than this), bats with all the confidence in the world, and takes some absolute screamers at gully. An all-format all-skilled superstar in the making. #SAvSL

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 28, 2024

Thank you, Sri Lanka, for acknowledging my Twitter handle in the ongoing Test match.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) November 28, 2024

SL bowled out for 4⃣2⃣ – the lowest first innings score in Kingsmead as told by Kass Naidoo on air

Marco Jansen – take a bow!!!! #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/70kc2CQZGt

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) November 28, 2024

Marco Jansen!!! 7-13 🔥🔥🔥🔥
What a spell!!#SAvSL pic.twitter.com/ahskTQesPI

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) November 28, 2024

Marco Jansen’s bowling – X-factor. When in rhythm, a very difficult bowler to face.

The angle. Bounce. The batter has to always see up, with the ball being delivered from that high release. And he gets movement.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) November 28, 2024

7 wickets in the space of 21 deliveries, career-best Test figures for Marco Jansen (7/13). Might just be the fastest 7-wicket burst ever in Test history. Sri Lanka’s first sub-50 total in Test cricket. #SAvSL

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) November 28, 2024

Marco Jansen’s bowling figures 🔥

Overs: 6.5
Runs: 13
Maidens: 1
Wickets: 7#cricket #SAvSL #MarcoJansen #SouthAfricaCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/NJJeMy3Yu7

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 28, 2024

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