Delhi, October 7: The intention was clear from the beginning. Take the game away from the opposition's reach with merciless hitting.
Three South African batters hit tons, and one of them scored the fastest ODI World Cup century, to put up 428/5 in the allotted 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the 4th match of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, here on Saturday.
After losing skipper Tremba Bavuma for 8, Africans consolidated their position rather slowly and steadily. Lanka's right arm fast bowler Lokumarakkalage Dilshan Madushanka sent back Bavuma LBW, in his first over. Diminutive power house Bavuma, however, hit two boundaries in his brief stay at the crease.
After being reduced to 10/1 in just 1.4 overs, South Africa's experienced pair of Quinton de Cock and Rassie van der Dussen batted sensibly.
Rotating strikes, clearing the fence at regular intervals, they were busy building up a good partnership and steady the African innings.
Later, Aiden Markram scored a 54-ball 106. He scored the fastest ODI World Cup ton with only 49 balls. His innings comprised of 14 boundaries and 3 maximums.
The previous record was held by Ireland's Kevin O'Brien (50 balls against England in the 2011 World Cup).
Later, Heinrich Classen (39) and David Miller (32) also joined the party. As the African batsmen went berserk with the willow, Lankan bowlers were despatched all round the park.