During the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match against Sri Lanka, South African cricketer Aiden Markram made history by scoring the fastest century in World Cup history. Stepping in at number four, Markram capitalized on a strong foundation set by Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen.
Moreover, he achieved a century in just 49 balls, breaking the previous record of a 50-ball century held by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien in the 2011 World Cup. His remarkable innings saw him score 106 runs off 54 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes.
The match exhibited South African batters dominating the Sri Lankan bowling lineup, with both Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen also achieving centuries. De Kock, who was playing in his final international tournament, secured his 18th ODI century off 83 balls, hitting 12 fours and three sixes.
De Kock and van der Dussen’s partnership was extraordinary, amassing an impressive 204 runs for the second wicket before de Kock reached his century. Van der Dussen, not to be outdone, achieved his fifth century in the ODI format in 103 balls, featuring 12 fours and three sixes.
The playing XI for South Africa included Quinton de Kock as wicketkeeper, Temba Bavuma as captain, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
On the Sri Lankan side, the playing XI comprised Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka as captain, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, and Matheesha Pathirana.
This match will be remembered as a defining moment in Aiden Markram’s career and a significant achievement for South African cricket on the world stage.
