Sri Lanka endured a historic collapse on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, succumbing to their lowest-ever Test total. Bowled out for just 42 runs in 13.5 overs, the team recorded one of the darkest moments in their Test cricket history.
South African pacer Marco Jansen was the architect of Sri Lanka’s downfall, delivering a career-best performance with figures of 7/13. His lethal pace and movement dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting order, dismissing key players like Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and Dhananjaya de Silva.
The total of 42 runs shattered Sri Lanka’s previous lowest score of 71, set against Pakistan in 1994. It also became the lowest total ever posted against South Africa in Test cricket, overtaking New Zealand’s 45 from 2013.
Sri Lanka’s innings, lasting only 83 balls, was the second-shortest completed innings in Test history. The record for the shortest innings still belongs to South Africa, who were bowled out for 30 runs in 75 balls against England in 1924.
South Africa capitalized on Sri Lanka’s batting collapse to secure a massive 149-run lead in the first innings, taking firm control of the match. Jansen’s fiery spell continued his impressive run of form, building on his standout performances during the recent T20I series against India.
The match resumes with South Africa in a commanding position, leaving Sri Lanka with a monumental task to recover and avoid a humiliating defeat.