Former South African skipper Aiden Markram smashed the fastest ODI World Cup century against Sri Lanka on October 7 (Saturday). His innings came to an end on 106 runs off just 54 balls. Apart from Markram, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen also completed their centuries on a batting paradise in Delhi.
Fastest 100s in World Cup:
49 balls – Markram v SL, 2023
50 balls – Kevin O’Brien v Eng, 2011
51 balls – Maxwell v Pak, 2015
52 balls – ABD v WI, 2015
57 balls – Morgan v AFG, 2019
As mentioned above, Markram came out to bat after the fall of De Kock. The right-handed batter took about 10 deliveries to get settled down. After that, he alongside Dussen wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan bowlers. As many as 137 runs were hammered in the last 10 overs. Cameos from Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller made sure South Africa achieved the highest team total in the history of the ODI World Cup. Apart from that, they also became the only team to breach the 400-run mark thrice at the marquee event.
Speaking on their batting performance, Dussen said, “Perfect day of us. (The ball) swung a bit early on, but we got a good partnership. Overall, a good team effort. Special to watch (Aiden) Markram. We just tried to adapt to the conditions. The middle-order including (David) Miller and Heinrich (Klaasen) showed what they are capable of.”
With a mammoth total on the board, the African side will be looking to attack and try to scalp ten wickets as early as possible. On the other hand, the batting conditions will be more suitable for batting under the lights and Dasun Shanaka and Co. will try to give their best and at least get near to the Proteas total of 428 runs.
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