South African left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen bagged seven wickets as Sri Lanka were bundled out for only 42 runs. While Sri Lanka scored their lowest completed total in Test cricket, South Africa and Marco Jansen created history.

After South Africa were all out for 191 runs in the first innings of the Test series opener at Durban, Sri Lanka recorded their lowest completed Test innings total of 42 all out. Their previous lowest Test innings total record was 71 all out against Pakistan in the 1994 Kandy Test.

Meanwhile, it was also the lowest completed Test innings total for a team against South Africa. The previous record was 45 all out for New Zealand during the 2013 Cape Town Test. 

On the other hand, Marco Jansen recorded the second-best bowling figures by a left-handed pacer in a Test innings. The record is 24-4-61-8 by former Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson against South Africa during the 2008 WACA Test.  

Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming home T20Is against Sri Lanka, generating considerable buzz among cricket enthusiasts. This squad revelation brings to light the inclusion of a remarkable young talent, Karabo Meso, who has made waves in the cricketing world with her stellar performances.

Rising Star in South African Cricket

Karabo Meso’s journey to the international stage is nothing short of inspirational. Having showcased her skills in the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa in 2023, Meso left an indelible mark with her exceptional wicket-keeping abilities. She was the leading wicket-keeper with eight dismissals in five matches.

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In addition to Meso’s inclusion, CSA’s squad for the T20Is against Sri Lanka sees the return of seasoned all-rounders Annerie Dercksen and Tumi Sekhukhune. However, the absence of fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi, along with Mieke de Ridder and Delmi Tucker, due to injuries and other considerations, marks significant changes to the lineup.

Significance of the T20I Series Against Sri Lanka

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 looming on the horizon, the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka assumes paramount importance for both teams. It serves as a crucial platform for honing skills, refining strategies, and identifying key players who can excel under pressure.

Hilton Moreeng, the Proteas Women’s Head Coach, expresses his anticipation regarding the performance of budding talents like Karabo Meso. Emphasizing the team’s commitment to continuity and evolution, Moreeng looks forward to witnessing Meso’s potential unfold on the international stage.

“We still have the core of the squad to make sure we can continue with what we’ve been working on regarding the T20Is. The build-up has been coming along nicely and now it’s just for us to deservingly give opportunities for those one or two spots we want to have a look at,” Moreeng said.

Upcoming Fixtures: T20Is and ODIs

Following the T20I series, South Africa and Sri Lanka will engage in a riveting battle across as many ODIs, a segment integral to the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-2025 cycle.

South Africa T20I squad: Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon