"Records are made to be broken," said Pakistan captain Babar Azam ahead of their pivotal group stage match against India. The gifted batter thus became the latest exponent of this age-old adage. It's an altogether different thing though that they lost again, making it 8-0 for India. That said, teams and players continue to break records and set new benchmarks as the world's finest gather in India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. (Full Coverage | Cricket News)
The October 5 to November 19 mega event will feature 48 matches, including the big final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. With matches coming thick and fast, here are the records that have been broken so far in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 so far. (Updated 15th October)
1) Mitchell Star Quickest To 50 Wickets
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc, the leading wicket-taker at the 2015 and 2019 editions, has been time and again his country's numero uno bowler. Playing his third World Cup, the pacer has shown why he is a titan of the game. The left-armer became the quickest to reach 50 wickets in the tournament's history when he dismissed India's Ishan Kishan in their match at Chepauk, Chennai. By doing so, Starc surpassed the legendary Lasith Malinga (25 innings to 50 wickets), and Glenn McGrath (30 innings) and Muttiah Muralitharan (30 innings).
ALSO READ: Top Wicket-takers At 2023 World Cup
2) Aiden Markram's Fastest Century
South Africa vice-captain Aiden Markram smashed his way into the cricket record books by registering the fastest century ever scored in the World Cup. The 29-year-old from Centurion scored his ton off 49 balls against Sri Lanka in Delhi, beating the record previously held by Ireland's Kevin O'Brien against England back in the 2011 edition in Bengaluru.
3) Biggest Team Total Scored: South Africa 428/5 Vs Sri Lanka
During South Africa's match against Sri Lanka, very few would have predicted the Proteas to amass a score that will be worthy of a record. Centuries from Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram helped South Africa post a mammoth 428 first innings total at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The Proteas surpassed the record previously held by Australia (417/6) against Afghanistan in Perth during the 2015 World Cup.
ALSO READ: Top Scorers At 2023 World Cup
4) Biggest Run-chase: Pakistan 345 Vs Sri Lanka
Pakistan achieved the unthinkable when they chased down a record 344 set by Sri Lanka thanks to world-class centuries from Mohammad Rizwan (131 not out from 121) and Abdullah Shafique (113 off 103).
5) Most World Cup Hundreds (7) And Most International Sixes (556): Rohit Sharma
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma too added his name in the record books when he blazed through a knock of 131 off 84 deliveries against Afghanistan and in turn, scripted a bit of history. Rohit has so far amassed seven World Cup tons in 19 innings. The record was previously held by Sachin Tendulkar, who scored six in 44 innings. During his match-winning knock, Rohit struck five sixes and in the process, surpassed the record of most sixes scored (556) in international cricket (all formats), a record previously held by West Indies' Chris Gayle.
