ICC Men’s ODI World Cup: Aiden Markram’s century propels South Africa to win over Sri Lanka

South Africa rewrote the record books on Saturday as they posted the highest ever World Cup total of 428 while Aiden Markram clubbed the fastest tournament century in just 49 balls in a 102-run victory over Sri Lanka.

The Proteas bettered the previous World Cup high of 417 made by Australia against Afghanistan at Perth in 2015.

Their 428-5 was also the ninth highest total in all One-Day Internationals.

Markram, who went on to make 106, beat the previous record for fastest World Cup century which was claimed by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien off 50 balls against England at Bengaluru in 2011.

His first 50 on Saturday came from 34 balls while he needed only 15 more deliveries to add the next 50.

Rassie van der Dussen (108) and Quinton de Kock (100) also hit centuries in the first World Cup match to feature three tons in the same innings.

Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and skipper Dasun Shanaka all then hit half-centuries but Sri Lanka’s reply was always going to be damage limitation.

“It was a perfect day for us with the bat. We had to work hard up front up against the swinging ball and then well into the middle overs,” said Van der Dussen.

“Aiden Markram when he plays like that is incredible to watch.”

For Sri...

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