Durban [South Africa]: Sri Lanka suffered their lowest-ever total in Test cricket history, collapsing for just 42 runs on Day 2 of the series opener against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban.
South African pacer Marco Jansen delivered a sensational spell, claiming career-best figures of 7/13. Sri Lanka’s innings lasted only 83 balls (13.5 overs), marking the second-shortest Test innings in terms of balls faced, behind South Africa’s infamous 75-ball collapse against England in 1924.Jansen’s victims included key batters Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Prabath Jayasuriya, alongside tailenders Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando. His blistering pace and precision left the Sri Lankan lineup in disarray, ensuring South Africa secured a commanding first-innings lead of 149 runs.
This dismal performance surpassed Sri Lanka’s previous lowest Test score of 71, set against Pakistan in 1994.
It also became the lowest Test total ever recorded against South Africa, breaking New Zealand’s 45-run record from 2013.Jansen’s dominance with the new ball showcased his relentless aggression and control, forcing Sri Lankan batters into errors with unrelenting pressure. His recent form, carried over from a strong T20I series against India, has made him a standout performer for the Proteas. With South Africa firmly in control of the match, Sri Lanka will need an extraordinary effort in the second innings to salvage their position in this opening Test.