SA's Record-Breaking Performance Lights Up the 2023 WC

On October 7, 2023, South Africa delivered a stunning display of power hitting to set a new benchmark in men's ODI World Cup history, posting a colossal total of 428 for 5 against Sri Lanka. This was the highest team total ever recorded in a men’s World Cup, eclipsing Australia’s 417 for 6 against Afghanistan in 2015.

South Africa's emphatic 102-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi marked a perfect start to their ICC World Cup campaign. The match was filled with milestones, including the historic achievement of three South African batters—Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram—each scoring centuries, a first in World Cup history.

De Kock and Van der Dussen built a formidable 204-run partnership for the second wicket after the early dismissal of captain Temba Bavuma. De Kock, playing his final World Cup, smashed 100 off 84 balls, while Van der Dussen added a well-paced 108 off 110 deliveries.

However, the highlight of the innings was Aiden Markram’s blistering 106 off just 54 balls. Markram's century, which came off just 49 deliveries, broke the previous World Cup record for the fastest hundred (50 balls) set by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien in 2011. Markram’s innings included 14 boundaries and three sixes, propelling South Africa to a historic total.

Chasing an imposing 429, Sri Lanka put up a spirited fight with notable contributions from Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and skipper Dasun Shanaka. Mendis led the charge with a ferocious 76 off 42 balls, hitting eight sixes, but regular wickets hampered Sri Lanka’s momentum. They were eventually bowled out for 326 in 44.5 overs.

While Sri Lanka fell short, the match set yet another record—the highest aggregate of runs in a World Cup match, with both teams combining for 754 runs. This run-fest also featured an incredible 105 boundaries, the most ever in a World Cup game.

Markram’s century would later be surpassed by Glenn Maxwell’s fastest World Cup ton in the same tournament, but the South African team's explosive batting and dominance in this match will remain a defining moment of the 2023 ICC World Cup.