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ODI world cup 2023 Cricket

'This time for Africa' - Fans elated as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 102 runs in 2023 ODI World Cup

The match was pretty much done in the first half, but Sri Lanka put up a good fight in chasing 429 runs.

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Mathew K
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SA vs SL

SA vs SL

South Africa entered the 2023 World Cup as non-favourites but they have rung a warning bell to the other favourites with a clinical win over Sri Lanka in their first match. In a record-breaking night at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, October 7, the Proteas registered a massive 102-run win over the former champions. The match was pretty much done in the first half, but Sri Lanka put up a good fight in chasing 429 runs.

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Opting to bowl first, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka may thought to have an early crack at the Proteas batters. However, the plan worked for them as Dilshan Madushanka got rid of captain Temba Bavuma in the second over. But later events definitely made Shanaka regret his choice. A marathon 204-run partnership between Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen. 

The aggressive batting from this duo took the game away from Sri Lanka. Both registered blistering centuries and soon after the milestone left the crease. But then it was Aiden Markram's onslaught as the right-hander hit a 49-ball hundred to become the fastest centurion in the ODI World Cup. Markram also departed after touching a three-figure mark. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller added the finishing touch and helped South Africa to reach 428/5 - the highest-ever team total in ODI World Cup history.  

Sri Lanka put in a valiant effort but the target was far ahead of them

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In reply to a mammoth total, Sri Lanka had a disastrous start, losing Pathum Nissanka in the second over. However, Kusal Mendis' stunning knock of 42-ball 76 that included 4 fours and 8 sixes, kept them in the hunt. At the end of 12 overs, Sri Lanka were 107/2 but two quick wickets off successive overs hampered the chase completely. Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka played a fighting knock with half-centuries but that wasn't enough for the 1996 champions to get over the line. Sri Lanka eventually bowled out for 326 in 44.5 overs. 

Speaking after the game, SA skipper Temba Bavuma said: "Happy. Wanted to win the game and that's exactly what we did. It was a clinical performance and give us good confidence going into the next game. It did seamed a bit under lights, but the ball was coming on nicely and you could see how they (the batters) were able to use the pace nicely. It was all about adjusting to the conditions and we thought it is going to be a bit variable in the second half. If we can take these learnings and we need to adapt whatever is in front of us."

Here's how fans reacted to South Africa's thumping win over Sri Lanka: 

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South Africa Sri Lanka ODI World Cup 2023