Sri Lanka Suffer Historic Test Collapse: Bowled Out for Record Low 42 Runs Against South Africa

Sri Lanka faced a historic collapse in their first Test against South Africa on Thursday, being bowled out for a mere 42 runs, marking their lowest total in Test cricket history.

This dismal performance occurred on November 28, 2024, at Kingsmead, Durban, where they crumbled in just 13.5 overs against a formidable South African bowling attack led by Marco Jansen, who achieved career-best figures of 7 wickets for 13 runs.

This total of 42 runs is now recorded as:

• The lowest score ever by Sri Lanka in Tests.
• The lowest score ever against South Africa, surpassing New Zealand’s previous record of 45 runs in 2013.
• Ranked as the joint ninth-lowest total in Test cricket history and the third-lowest in the 21st century, behind India’s 36 against Australia in 2020 and Ireland’s 38 against England in 2019

As the match progresses, South Africa leads by a significant margin, with their second innings already at 132/3, giving them a commanding overall lead of 281 runs.

Match Overview

• South Africa’s First Innings: After a rain-affected first day, South Africa resumed at 80/4 and managed to reach a total of 191 runs. Temba Bavuma was the top scorer with 70 runs, while Sri Lankan bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando took crucial wickets.
• Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse: In response, Sri Lanka’s innings was disastrous. They lost their first five wickets for just 32 runs, with Kamindu Mendis being the top scorer at 13 runs. The last five wickets fell rapidly, with the entire innings lasting only 83 balls, making it the second-shortest completed innings in Test history.