In the electrifying clash at the 2023 World Cup between South Africa and Sri Lanka, Aiden Markram, the South African batter, etched his name into the annals of cricket history. With astonishing flair, Markram capitalised on the platform provided by Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, who set the stage on fire. Arriving at number four, Markram unleashed a stunning 49-ball century, making it the fastest in World Cup history.
This remarkable feat shattered the previous record held by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien, who achieved a 50-ball ton against England in the 2011 World Cup. Markram’s onslaught yielded a remarkable 106 runs off just 54 balls, decorated with 14 fours and three towering sixes.
The match bore witness to the Proteas’ batsmen’s dominance against the Sri Lankan bowling lineup, with Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen also joining the century club. De Kock, in his final international tournament, blazed his way to an 18th ODI century, taking just 83 balls and featuring 12 fours and three sixes.
The partnership between De Kock and van der Dussen flourished, adding 204 runs for the second wicket, but De Kock’s departure came swiftly after reaching his century. Van der Dussen, on the other hand, notched his fifth century, taking 103 balls and comprising 12 fours and three sixes.
Their partnership commenced after the fall of the first wicket, as skipper Temba Bavuma succumbed to Dilshan Madushanka’s lbw for just eight runs in the second over.
Here were the lineups for the match: South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (capt), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wkt), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana.
