South African fast bowler Marco Jansen’s (7-13) bowling brilliance helped the Proteas bundle out Sri Lanka for a record-low total of 42 in the visitors’ first innings on the second day of the first Test at the Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.
This dismal display marked Sri Lanka’s lowest-ever innings total, breaking their previous record of 71 against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994. Globally, it is the third-lowest total in Test history, with New Zealand holding the record of 26 against England in Auckland in 1955.
The innings lasted only 83 balls, making it the second-shortest completed innings in Test cricket history. The shortest remains South Africa’s 75-ball collapse for 30 against England in Birmingham in 1924.
On a pitch heavily favoring seam bowlers, only two Sri Lankan batsmen managed to reach double figures. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 13 before edging to first slip off Jansen, while tailender Lahiru Kumara remained unbeaten on 10, striking two boundaries.
South Africa had earlier been bowled out for 191, with captain Temba Bavuma leading the way with a gritty 70. Keshav Maharaj, batting at number 10, added a valuable 24. The hosts now lead by 149 runs, setting the stage for a commanding position in the match.
