Twitter Reactions: Runs and centuries galore as South Africa notch up record ODI World Cup total in Delhi

South Africa unleashed mayhem at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, as they posted 428, the highest-ever total in a World Cup. Choosing to bowl after winning the toss proved catastrophic for Sri Lanka as the Proteas top order wreaked havoc against the ineffective Lankan bowling lineup. 

The Lankan Lions drew first blood in the form of Temba Bavuma's wicket, post which they were made to toil hard in the humid Delhi conditions by Quinton De Kock and Rassie van der Dussen. The duo put up a massive partnership of 204 in just 174 deliveries, registering centuries 100 and 108, respectively. 

De Kock smashed 12 fours and three sixes, whereas Dussen hit 13 fours and two sixes in their assault against the Sri Lanka bowlers. Just when the Lankans thought that they had seen through the tide by getting the duo, a tornado named Aiden Markram entered the vintage Delhi backyard. 

From the get-go, Markram butchered the bowlers, maintaining his strike rate close to over 140 throughout his innings. He notched up a fastest-ever century in any World Cup by doing so in just 49 deliveries. Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Marco Jansen played their role by dispatching customary boundaries for fun as South Africa put forth a 'Himalaya' in front of Sri Lanka to climb upon with their trembling feet.

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions, here are some of the posts:

Southafrica flexing 💪 #WorldCup2023 #SAvsSL

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) October 7, 2023

Records tumble as Proteas announce themselves at the #MensCricketWorldCup2023

This is a proper display of batting by the Proteas. With that, they've completely batted Sri-lanka out of this game.

— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) October 7, 2023

Incredible #100’s by #SA - absolutely the top team to watch out for this tournament ! What a game ! They cover all the bases . #SAVSL #CWC2023 #Cricket

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) October 7, 2023

Protea FIRE on display! Three hundreds in an innings is a great feat that too in a World Cup 👏 Could this be their year ? #SAvSL #CWC2023

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) October 7, 2023

Wow 😮 what a statement made by South Africa 🇿🇦 over 400 runs scored in their first match vs 🇱🇰 with Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen & Aiden Markram all bring up 💯 #CWC2023 #SAvsSL

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 7, 2023 

Aiden was 50 off 34 and then finished with 100 of 49. Smashed the second 50 off a mere 15 balls. Some striking this. #SAvsSL #ICCCricketWorldCup

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) October 7, 2023

Fastest World Cup hundred. Brilliant batting by Aiden Markram👏#icccricketworldcup2023

— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) October 7, 2023

.@AidzMarkram, take a bow! Fastest 💯 in ODI World Cup history. What an amazing display of power-hitting!🔥#CWC23 #SAvSL

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 7, 2023

Fierce batting by @AidzMarkram to get a 100 here! #CWC23 #SAvSL

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 7, 2023

For the first time, 3 100’s in an innings in the World Cup.#ICCCricketWorldCup

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) October 7, 2023

Wow Aiden Markram is on fire 🔥 #SAvsSL #icccricketworldcup2023

— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul) October 7, 2023

Worrying signs for #SriLanka with this bowling attack. Cant see them competing in this #CWC2023 Excellent ball striking from @ProteasMenCSA top order.... There's a big one coming up here....

— Vernon Philander (@VDP_24) October 7, 2023

Fantastic centuries by Quinton de Kock and Van der Dussen ! South Africa is now in a strong position to score 350+. Well played! 🏏 #SAvSL #WorldCup2023

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 7, 2023