Records tumble as Proteas see off Sri Lanka in Cricket World Cup opener

Markram brought up his hundred off just 49 deliveries, beating the previous mark of 50 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 eventual 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 and De Kock shared in a 204-run partnership for the second wicket as the duo laid an alomost perfect platform for Markram's onslaught.

Heinrich Klaasen (32 off 20 balls) and David Miller (39 not out from 21 balls) aided Markram in ensuring the Proteas set a huge target for their opponents to chase.

Sri Lanka's batters certainly showed plenty off fight in the run-chase and were bowled out for 326 in 44.5 overs.

Kusal Mendis started like a house on fire, smashing eight sixes, on his way 76 from 42 balls while Charith Asalanka hit 79 from 65 deliveries.

In all the carnage though, the Proteas kept chipping away in the wickets column with Gerald Coetzee finishing with figures of 3-68 in nine overs.

Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj picked up two scalps apiece but the bowlers would want to improve their economy-rates as the tournament progresses.

The Proteas now have four days to prepare for the next encounter at the World Cup when they take on Australia in Lucknow on Thursday.

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