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In the fourth clash of the ODI World Cup 2023, Temba Bavuma-led South Africa took on Sri Lanka on October 7, Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the Indian capital city, Delhi. The game started with Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka winning the toss and opting to field first. Proteas' skipper as well as wicket-keeping batter Quinton de Kock opened their side's innings.
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While the South African skipper's stay was cut short at eight runs, De Kock held the helm of his side and scored a brilliant century off 84 balls. It took the cricketer 12 fours and three maximums to register his 18th ODI century, which was his first in the ODI World Cup. The 30-year-old, who is playing his last ODI World Cup was joined by Rassie van der Dussen, who also hit a blistering century and marked his World Cup debut on a high.
While the wicketkeeper was dismissed shortly after his ton, Dussen added eight more runs before he was sent back to the pavilion off a Dunith Wellalage delivery. Apart from them, Aiden Marakram recorded the fastest World Cup century off just 49 deliveries as he contributed 106 runs to the score. The Proteas rode on the brilliant centuries to post a mammoth total of 428 runs on the scoreboard.
Pathum Nissanka, along with Kusal Perera opened the Sri Lankan innings with a hope to chase the huge target. However, the openers failed miserable as Nissanka went back on a duck while Perera could manage to contribute seven runs only.
While few next wickets came quickly for the Bavuma boys, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis contributed 76 runs to give hopes to his side, who were already devastated with the early wickets. Charith Asalanka and skipper Dasun Shanaka scored 79 and 68 runs respectively to give stability to the former champions.
However, the stability was short-lived as the South African bowlers took quick wickets to register a notable win. The Sri Lankans fell short of 102 runs before their rivals bundled them out at 326.
