In the fourth match of the World Cup, South Africa set a target of 429 runs for Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for 326 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi after winning the toss and choosing to field against South Africa.
South Africa got off to a strong start, with captain Quinton de Kock scoring a century, making 100 runs off 84 balls. He partnered with Dean Elgar, who contributed 204 runs for the second wicket. Elgar also played a brilliant inning, scoring 108 runs. Heinrich Klaasen added 32 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed. However, the highlight of South Africa’s innings was Aiden Markram’s explosive century. He smashed 106 runs off just 49 balls, setting a new record for the fastest century in the World Cup. Markram hit 3 sixes and 14 fours during his innings. David Miller chipped in with 39 runs, helping South Africa reach a total of 428 for the loss of 5 wickets.
Dushmantha Chameera and Dhananjaya de Silva were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, as they took two wickets each. Despite losing their openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera for zero and 7 runs, respectively, Sri Lanka’s batsmen put up a fight. Kusal Mendis played a crucial inning, scoring 76 runs with 8 boundaries and 4 sixes, while Charith Asalanka contributed 79 runs.
Captain Dasun Shanaka added 68 runs to the total, attempting to lead a late charge, and Rajitha also scored 33 runs. However, Sri Lanka’s team was eventually bowled out for 326 runs in the 45th over, falling short by 102 runs.
On South Africa’s side, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje were the top wicket-takers, each taking 2 wickets. Aiden Markram’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
Overall, it was a high-scoring and thrilling contest between the two teams, with South Africa emerging victorious by a comfortable margin of 102 runs in the end.