In a shocking display of batting collapse, Sri Lanka recorded their lowest-ever Test score of 42 runs in their first innings against South Africa during the 1st Test at Durban, November 27, 2024. This dismal performance occurred on Day 2, Session 2 of the match as Sri Lanka trailed South Africa by 149 runs.
Match Summary
South Africa batted first and managed to post a modest total of 191 runs in their first innings. However, Marco Jansen’s stunning bowling spell dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, resulting in their historic low. The innings lasted only 13.5 overs with a run rate of 3.03, marking it as a forgettable moment in Sri Lanka’s cricket history.
Moments of Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse at 42 Runs:
- Marco Jansen was the standout bowler, claiming a career-best 7 wickets for 13 runs in 6.5 overs.
- No Sri Lankan batter could reach a double-digit score except Kamindu Mendis (13) and Lahiru Kumara (10 not out).
- Four Sri Lankan players, including key batter Dinesh Chandimal, were dismissed for ducks.
Sri Lanka’s score of 42 now surpasses their previous lowest score of 71 runs against Pakistan in 1994.
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Top 10 Lowest Totals by Sri Lanka in Test Cricket
| Rank | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Result | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 | 13.5 | 3.03 | 2 | South Africa | Durban | – | 27 Nov 2024 |
| 2 | 71 | 28.2 | 2.50 | 1 | Pakistan | Kandy | Lost | 26 Aug 1994 |
| 3 | 73 | 24.5 | 2.93 | 3 | Pakistan | Kandy | Lost | 3 Apr 2006 |
| 4 | 81 | 28.1 | 2.87 | 3 | England | Colombo (SSC) | Lost | 15 Mar 2001 |
| 5 | 82 | 51.5 | 1.58 | 2 | India | Chandigarh | Lost | 23 Nov 1990 |
| 6 | 82 | 24.4 | 3.32 | 3 | England | Cardiff | Lost | 26 May 2011 |
| 7 | 91 | 36.4 | 2.48 | 2 | England | Leeds | Lost | 19 May 2016 |
| 8 | 93 | 53.0 | 1.75 | 3 | New Zealand | Wellington | Lost | 11 Mar 1983 |
| 9 | 95 | 38.4 | 2.45 | 1 | South Africa | Cape Town | Lost | 2 Jan 2001 |
| 10 | 96 | 26.0 | 3.69 | 3 | Pakistan | Dubai (DICS) | Won | 6 Oct 2017 |
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Match Details
- Match: 1st Test, Durban, November 27 – December 01, 2024
- Series: Sri Lanka tour of South Africa, ICC World Test Championship
- Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field
- Bowling Hero: Marco Jansen – 7/13 in 6.5 overs
- Sri Lanka Trail: By 149 runs at the end of their innings
Sri Lanka faces a steep challenge to avoid an innings defeat as South Africa is likely to press for a big lead in their second innings. Fans will be eager to see how Sri Lanka responds in the rest of the Test match.
