Jansen's heroics comes only days after he was bought for INR 7 crores by PBKS at the IPL 2025 auction.
During the ongoing SA vs SL 1st Test in Durban, Proteas all-rounder Marco Jansen scripted history by equalling a 120-year-old record in the longest format of the game.
Jansen spit fire to finish with a career-best haul of 7-wickets in just 35 balls, which is also the joint-least number of balls taken to reach the milestone. Previously, Australian cricketer Hugh Trumble had achieved the feat way back in 1904.
In the process, Sri Lanka folded for their lowest-ever Test score – 42.
Notably, Jansen’s heroics comes only days after he was bought for INR 7 crores by Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the recent Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction at almost 50 percent more than his previous price of INR 4.2 crore.
Jansen consistently bowled the right length and line, effectively utilizing a pitch that offered enough movement to challenge the batters. The left-arm pacer stayed disciplined, refraining from forcing wicket-taking deliveries and instead relied on the pitch’s natural assistance to do the job.
Speaking about the match, apart from Marco Jansen, Gerland Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada picked up two and one scalp respectively as the Sri Lankan batters struggled to find answers to their fiery pace.
Kamindu Mendis scored 13 runs, making him Sri Lanka’s top scorer in the innings, with Lahiru Kumara contributing an unbeaten 10 runs as the only other player to reach double figures. Five Sri Lankan batters were dismissed without scoring, leading the team to their lowest-ever Test total, breaking their previous record of 71 against Pakistan in Kandy back in August 1994.
This score also ranks as the sixth lowest in Test cricket history, placing Sri Lanka alongside Australia, New Zealand, and India, who have also been bowled out for 42 in past Test matches.
At the time of writing this report, the Proteas have resumed their second innings with the scoreline reading 16 for 0 in 4 overs with Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram currently at the crease. The hosts had posted 191 in their first innings and are currently in the driver’s seat.
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