Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first against South Africa in the nation’s first encounter of the ODI World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka lacked the resources to compete on a grassy, little-turned surface, and South Africa had a good time. South Africa lost Temba Bavuma early on, however, Quinton de Kock as well as Rassie van der Dussen soon formed a 204-run partnership.
Sri Lanka had a few opportunities, but when they didn’t take advantage of them, South Africa crushed them. This pair batted aggressively, ensuring that they both quickly reached the hundreds. After their centuries, both were sent back to the pavilion, but then the Markram craze began.
While scoring a 49-ball century, the South African vice-captain displayed some of the purest power hitting on display. In the history of the ODI World Cup, this century ended up being the quickest. Henrich Klaasen as well as David Miller provided finishing cameos to the already big total. The Sri Lankans had to pursue a gigantic total of 429 in Delhi.
Close contest on paper, far off battle on the field
For Sri Lanka to have a chance of winning, at least two of the top five batsmen needed to contribute to building a substantial score. Without a doubt, Kusal Mendis’ dashing 72-run innings off 42 balls helped them get off to a flying start. His innings also included four fours as well as eight gigantic sixes
In reality, they were 107/2 at the conclusion of 12 overs, but the chase was utterly derailed by 2 fast wickets in consecutive overs. Even so, Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka’s fifty-run knocks merely served to lessen the margin of loss.
Despite showing flashes of outstanding talent, Sri Lanka couldn’t exactly win the crucial moments for the majority of the game today due to the strain of the needed rate, which frequently drives players to do foolish things. South Africa, on the other hand, would be high on confidence with such a victory in their opening game of the ODI World Cup 2023.
Fans react as South Africa claims victory by 102 runs over Sri Lanka during ODI World Cup 2023:
SOUTH AFRICA BEAT SRI LANKA BY 102 RUNS….!!!
A thumping victory led by three batters scoring terrific hundreds with De Kock, Dussen & Markram. pic.twitter.com/MhYuxQQvvp
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 7, 2023
Brilliant Performance South Africa ? pic.twitter.com/tzZAUC1HIf
— TEJASH ? (@LoyleRohitFan) October 7, 2023
What a fight by Sri Lanka ???
— Touseeq Haider Chohan (@advthc) October 7, 2023
Great victory??
— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) October 7, 2023
Congratulations South Africa
— Hamza Khan ?? (@ithamzakhan) October 7, 2023
Now let's ready for the biggest clash. India vs Australia ?
— Yash Bhadouriya ?? (@Yashvenom45) October 7, 2023
Bad day for bowlers ?
— ??M?? ???????? (@PKMKB_93K) October 7, 2023
Well played srilanka ??
— Yash Bhadouriya ?? (@Yashvenom45) October 7, 2023
I am more scared of South Africa than New Zealand. Not because of today's match
Because of Their Batting Power??
— Cric-HarshZz (@CricHarshZz) October 7, 2023
Jokes aside this is not good for odi cricket worst pitch in world cup history
— Taha Sohail ???? (@Tahajutt258) October 7, 2023
