Proteas rewrite Cricket World Cup record books in opener against Sri Lanka

By SABC Sport
7th October 2023

Aiden Markram hit the fastest ever century in World Cup history as the Proteas rewrote the record books in their opening game of the tournament against Sri Lanka in Delhi.

Markram brought up his hundred off just 49 deliveries, beating the previous mark of 49 balls set by Ireland's Kevin O'Brien against England in 2011.

Markram was eventually dismissed for 106 off 54 balls as the Proteas' amassed a total of 428-5, which is also a World Cup record total, with Markram joined in the centurion column by Quinton de Kock (100) and Rassie van der Dussen (108).

It was the first time ever in the global tournament that three players from the same country scored centuries in an innings.

The total eclipsed the mark of 417 set by Australia when they smashed Afghanistan on their way to winning to the World Cup at home in 2015.

Van der Dussen, who was involved in a 204-run partnership for the second wicket with De Kock, revealed after the innings that it was a "perfect" day with the bat as the Proteas got their World Cup campaign underway.

"It was a perfect day for us with the bat. We had to work hard up front up against the swinging ball and then well into the middle overs," said Van der Dussen.

"We have a blueprint to set it up for the guys in the middle order. Aiden Markram when he plays like that is incredible to watch."