South Africa's vice-captain Aiden Markram went berserk against Sri Lanka to break the record for the fastest century in ODI World Cup history. Markram reached the milestone from 49 balls, breaking Ireland all-rounder Kevin O'Brien's record from 50 balls against England in the iconic run chase of World Cup 2011.
Markram walked in to bat in the 31st over. He smashed 14 fours and three sixes at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi in his 54-ball 106. He got dismissed in the 48th over. Dilshan Madushanka took his wicket with a slot delivery. Markram could not clear the field and got caught by Kasun Rajitha on long-off.
For South Africa, this is the third-fastest century in the format. AB de Villiers holds the record with a 31-ball century against West Indies in 2015. Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher scored a century from just 44 balls against Zimbabwe in 2006.
Markram got going in the 34th over with a hat-trick of fours against Dilshan Madushanka. He did not let the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen affect him. He reached his half-century from 34 balls. In the 43rd over, he hit Matheesha Pathirana for three fours and a six. In the 46th over, he reached his century with a six off Madushanka.
Markram's quickfire century helped South Africa post a massive total of 428/5 on the board. It is the highest total in the history of the ODI World Cup breaking Australia's record of 417 against Afghanistan in the 2015 edition. It is by far the biggest score at the venue as well.
Before Markram, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen scored centuries as well. Thus, they became the first trio to score centuries in a single inning of an ODI World Cup fixture. Interestingly, before this ODI, no South African batter had scored a century against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup events.
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