South Africa announced their arrival at the World Cup with a mammoth total of 428 runs, making this the highest total in ODI World Cup history.
After they were inserted to bat, skipper Temba Bavuma got himself going with a couple of crisp boundaries before his stay was cut short in the second over. Coming in at number 3, Rassie van der Dussen took his time initially, as did Quinton de Kock. As the innings progressed, both batters grew in confidence and did not shy away from punishing the loose deliveries.
Neither de Kock nor van der Dussen struggled and were in complete control on their way to their respective hundreds. What followed was an absolute carnage by Aiden Makram, and he ensured that the South African innings did not lose steam. He unleashed himself all over the park and brought up his century off just 49 balls, the fastest in ODI World Cup history. David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen filled their boots as well in what was a special batting effort from South Africa.
As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, however, it has been a disappointing bowling effort from them.
Dilshan Madushanka set the tone early with an early wicket of the South African skipper. His bowling partner, Kasun Rajitha, kept things quiet from the other end with probing lines and lengths. In the middle phase, the spinners and pacers were taken to the cleaners, and not converting half chances did not help Sri Lanka’s cause either.
Just when the wheels were starting to come off, Matheesha Pathirana got rid of Quinton de Kock before Dunith Wellalage sent Rassie van der Dussen back into the hut 7 overs later. Having dismissed both set batters, Sri Lanka sensed an opening, but they found no answers to the brilliance of Aiden Markram. Towards the end, a slow over-rate penalty crushed any hopes they would have had of finishing strongly with the ball. .
South Africa have a humongous total on the board., with three batters having breached the three-figure mark and it will require something similar from Sri Lanka if they are to get over the line here.
