Border batsman eclipses an almost century-old record with a 191-ball 300, beating the likes of Viv Richards and Graeme Smith
South African belts fastest triple century
South African Marco Marais has shattered a 96-year-old record after smashing the fastest-ever first-class triple century and becoming the first batsman to reach the milestone in fewer than 200 balls.
Marais remarkably batted for just 60 overs in total after coming in at No.6 with his side Border 4-84, having earlier lost a wicket on the first ball of their three-day cup match against Eastern Province at Buffalo Park.
The 24-year-old promptly proceeded to smash 13 sixes and 35 fours, bringing up his 100 off 68 balls, his 200 off 139 balls and finally his 300 off 191 balls.
300* in 1 session and a half 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 special knock Marco Marais 👊🏾 #forthelads #whoisthisguy🤷🏽♂️ #EpvBears pic.twitter.com/UuzsQI5zl1%E2%80%94 somila seyibokwe (@seyibokwe) November 23, 2017
The hosts immediately declared to end the right-hander's unbeaten 428-run partnership with Brad Williams, who finished with a comparatively sedate 113 from 174 balls. Their union was the fifth-highest fifth-wicket stand in first-class history.
Border sent down four overs that evening in a bid to cap off a terrific day with late wickets, though none were forthcoming and the match ended in a draw on Saturday with the home side taking first-innings points.
What a privilege to see this fine innings today - WOW! @_BorderCricket_ 's Marco Marais with 300* runs and Bradley Williams on your 111* pic.twitter.com/lJxp4kIqec%E2%80%94 Melonie Gobel (@meloniegobel) November 23, 2017
"I don't think anyone actually thinks they are going to get 300," Marais told South African newspaper The Daily Dispatch after the record knock.
"I am really happy but I don't think it has fully sunk in yet. I am just so tired now. I think it will eventually hit me later tonight.
"I was striking the ball so well. I decided that I was just going to go hard at them and it came off in the end.
"Batting with Bradley was really good. I said to him that he must just play his normal game and that I was going to try and be attacking from the start."
Marais now sits second on the competition's leading run-scorers list, with his 503 runs – three more than the goal he set for himself for the entire season – coming at the inflated average of 251.50.
Marco Marais from @_BorderCricket_ celebrating after running a single to score 300* versus EP. pic.twitter.com/k7daF8eFAu%E2%80%94 Melonie Gobel (@meloniegobel) November 23, 2017
The record for the previous quickest first-class triple-ton – in terms of balls faced – was held by former Australia batsman Charles Macartney, who took 221 balls to achieve the feat in a 1921 tour match against Nottinghamshire.
Marais now sits alongside the likes of West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards and former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith on the fastest first-class triple-hundred list.
Fastest recorded triple centuries in first-class cricket
Marco Marais, 191 balls – Border against Eastern Province, 2017
Charles Macartney, 221 balls – Australians against Nottinghamshire, 1921
Frank Wooley, 230 balls – MCC v Tasmania, 1912
Ken Rutherford, 234 balls – New Zealanders v DB Close's XI, 1986
Viv Richards, 244 balls – Somerset v Warwickshire, 1985
Kusal Perera, 244 balls – Colts v Saracens, 2012-13
Kithuruwan Vithanage, 245 balls – Tamil UC & AC v SL Air Force SC, 2014-15
Graeme Smith, 249 balls – Somerset v Leicestershire, 2005