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In a jaw-dropping display of batting prowess, South Africa’s Aiden Markram has etched his name in cricket history by setting a new record for the fastest century in a World Cup match. Markram’s blazing innings unfolded during South Africa’s encounter with Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup, where he achieved this remarkable feat while batting at Number 4.
Kevin O’Brien’s Record: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Prior to Markram’s sensational century, the record for the fastest World Cup hundred was held by Kevin O’Brien. Back in the 2011 World Cup, O’Brien delivered a stunning performance during Ireland’s historic chase of 328 runs. His hundred came in just 50 balls, leaving a lasting mark on the world of cricket.
Explosive Start at Arun Jaitley Stadium
The match began with Sri Lanka’s skipper, Dasun Shanaka, winning the toss and opting to invite the Proteas to bat first on a pitch that promised runs aplenty at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite an early setback with the dismissal of South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, for just 8 runs, the Proteas soon turned the tide in their favour.
Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen became Sri Lanka’s worst nightmare as they both notched up quickfire centuries for South Africa. However, the most electrifying moment was yet to come.
Markram’s Record-Shattering Century
As Aiden Markram strode onto the pitch, even he might not have anticipated the historic innings that awaited him. After taking a few balls to settle in, Markram unleashed a relentless assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers. His audacious batting spared no one, and in a whirlwind display, he reached his century in just 49 balls. This breathtaking achievement shattered Kevin O’Brien’s previous record, set at 100 balls.
South Africa concluded their innings at a monumental 428 for 5 in 50 overs, marking the highest team total ever recorded in a World Cup match. With this performance, South Africa also etched their name in the record books as the only team to score 400 or more runs in a World Cup game on three separate occasions. Their previous 400-plus run feats were achieved twice during the 2015 World Cup.
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