Markram hits fastest World Cup century in SA win

Aiden Markram hit the fastest World Cup hundred as South Africa made 428-5 - the highest score in the tournament's history - against Sri Lanka in Delhi.

He finally fell for 106 from 54, after Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen had also hit centuries.

David Miller then took the score beyond the previous record of Australia's 417-6 against Afghanistan in 2015.

Sri Lanka, who are coached by former England coach Chris Silverwood, crumbled amid the carnage on the flattest of pitches.

They leaked 21 wides and had to bowl the final two overs with another fielder up inside the ring because of a slow over-rate.

Matheesha Pathirana conceded 26 runs from the 43rd over, with the seamer's 10 overs costing 95 for one wicket.

It was also the first time in a Men's World Cup three batters have scored centuries in the same innings.

Proteas power to record total

South Africa's in-form batting line-up has led to many, not for the first time in these competitions, tipping them as dark horses for a first white-ball title.

At the first opportunity they showed their prowess in devastating fashion.

After captain Temba Bavuma fell lbw to left-armer Dilshan Madushanka in the second over, De Kock and Van der Dussen built relatively carefully - reaching 48-1 after 10 overs and 118-1 from 20.

Van der Dussen, who was dropped at backward point on 71, scored all around the wicket, including reverse sweeps to the spinners.

De Kock increased his intent after reaching his 50 from 61 balls, playing his trademark flowing strokes.

His 12th four, a fine flick through mid-wicket, took him to his first World Cup ton but he top-edged Pathirana a ball later.

That brought in Markram, whose innings began with glorious straight drives before becoming increasingly brutal as he struck 14 fours and three sixes.

Miller's 39 from 21 kept the scoring rate high, while it was a towering straight six from all-rounder Marco Jansen in the penultimate over that set the new record.

There was also 32 from 20, including three sixes, by Heinrich Klaasen - one of five South Africa batters in the top 15 of the world rankings.

The rest of the tournament should take note.