The Sri Lankan cricket team suffered a humiliating collapse, recording their lowest-ever Test total of 42 in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on Day 2 (November 28). After dismissing South Africa for 191, Sri Lanka crumbled in just 13.5 overs, marking one of the shortest completed innings in Test cricket history.

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South African pacer Marco Jansen wreaked havoc, claiming 7-13 in 6.5 overs, his career-best figures in Test cricket. He was well-supported by Gerald Coetzee (2-18) and Kagiso Rabada (1-10). Jansen’s remarkable spell saw him become only the second bowler in Test history, after Hugh Trumble, to take seven wickets inside his first seven overs.

In total, 16 wickets fell on Day 2 as South Africa bundled Sri Lanka out for 42, surpassing the Islanders’ previous lowest total of 71, recorded against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994.

Sri Lanka’s innings lasted only 83 deliveries, the second-fewest balls ever taken to complete a Test innings. Only two Sri Lankan batters managed to reach double digits, while four players were dismissed for ducks. Their collapse is now among the shortest and most devastating in Test cricket history

Shortest Completed Innings in Test Cricket (by Balls):

• South Africa – 30 (75 balls) vs England
• Sri Lanka – 42 (83 balls) vs South Africa
• South Africa – 30 (94 balls) vs England
• England – 61 (94 balls) vs Australia

Lowest Scores in Test History:

• New Zealand – 26 vs England (1955)
• South Africa – 30 vs England (1896)
• South Africa – 30 vs England (1924)
• South Africa – 35 vs England (1899)
• Australia – 36 vs England (1902)
• India – 36 vs Australia (2020)
• Ireland – 38 vs England (2019)
• Australia – 42 vs England (1888)
• New Zealand – 42 vs Australia (1946)
• India – 42 vs England (1974)
• Sri Lanka – 42 vs South Africa (2024)