Top 5 lowest Test totals in South Africa ft. SA vs SL 2024
Sri Lanka made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when they were bowled out for a mere 42 in their first innings in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday, November 28.
The hosts batted first to put up a decent total of 191 on the board but the Lankans disappointed with their performance. None of their batters could reach double figures except Kamindu Mendis, who top-scored with 13.
Incidentally, this is not the lowest total ever recorded in South Africa, which goes to show that the bouncy tracks in this African country are known to dismantle batting orders for less-than-respectable scores on a regular basis.
We take a look at the top five lowest Test totals in South Africa:
#1 South Africa's 30 vs England, 1896
The lowest total ever recorded in South Africa is the host nation's 30 all out against England in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in 1896. This took place when Test cricket was still in its early days and the South Africans had not quite discovered the best way of adapting themselves to their English opponents.
England put up scores of 185 and 226 while SA were bowled out for 93 in the first innings and then for 30 in the second while they were chasing 319. The legendary George Lohmann, who was renowned for his exquisite swing and accuracy, wrecked the hosts with figures of 8-7 in the second innings.
#2 South Africa's 35 vs England, 1899
The second-lowest total on South African shores was the host country's 35, again against England in Cape Town. The visitors batted first and were bowled out for 92, thanks largely to Jimmy Sinclair's 6-26.
Sinclair then scored his country's first Test century (106) when SA batted in their first innings to put up 177.
England responded with a fine 330 in the second innings, and having set the hosts a target of 246 to chase down, bowled them out for a measly 35. Schofield Haigh (6-11) and Albert Trott (4-19) shared all South African wickets amongst themselves and did not give any other bowler the opportunity to roll their arm over.
#3 Sri Lanka's 42 vs South Africa, 2024
The latest entry on this list is Sri Lanka getting bowled out for 42 in the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Marco Jansen starred with a seven-wicket haul for the hosts and played a major role in dismantling the Lankan batting order. Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee picked up two and one wickets apiece, respectively.
Sri Lanka will be disheartened with the way they performed in this innings and hope that they come back strongly in the second. The South Africans are currently well-placed at 77-2 in the second innings and will be keen on putting up a massive target for their visitors to chase down.
#4 South Africa's 43 vs England, 1899
The fourth-lowest total on South African shores is for the hosts, yet again versus England, this time in Cape Town in 1899. England batted first on this occasion and put up a decent total of 292 on the board thanks to a stellar century from opener Bobby Abel (120 off 241 deliveries.)
South Africa, in their first essay, however, were bowled out for a mere 47 in their first innings thanks to a seven-wicket haul by Johnny Briggs. Asked to follow on, the hosts fared no better and were bowled out cheaply yet again, this time for 43 thanks largely to Briggs picking up an eight-wicket haul this time.
#5 New Zealand's 45 vs South Africa, 2013
New Zealand, who usually showcase themselves to be worthy opponents in Test cricket on most occasions, surprised South African crowds when they were bowled out for 45 in the first Test at Newlands in Cape Town in 2013. Kane Williamson top-scored with 13 even as Vernon Philander ran amok with 5-7.
The hosts responded with a fine 347-8 declared owing to Alviro Petersen's 106. New Zealand did better in their second innings and scored 275 (with Dean Brownlie contributing with 109), but it was not enough to stave off defeat by an innings and 27 runs.