South African batsman creates history in First-Class cricket. Marco Marais scored the fastest triple century in First-Class cricket breaking the 96-year-old record held by Australian batsman Charles Macartney. Marcais also became the first batsman to score a triple century in less than 200 balls. The 24-year-old scored 300 runs from 191 balls which included a whopping number of boundaries, 35 fours and 13 sixes to be exact.
The Border batsman rescued his team from 4 for 84 to 512 for 4 in the first innings. With Marais’ triple century, Border declared the first innings dominating the Eastern Province side. The three-day match of Sunfoil 3-day Cup at East London ended in a draw but Marais entered his name in the record books.
Marais’ reaction after reaching his maiden triple hundred in First-Class cricket –
300* in 1 session and a half special knock Marco Marais #forthelads #whoisthisguy #EpvBears pic.twitter.com/UuzsQI5zl1
— somila seyibokwe (@seyibokwe) November 23, 2017
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
— Melonie Gobel (@meloniegobel) November 23, 2017
The 24-year-old entered the elite list graced by cricketing greats like Viv Richards and Graeme Smith. The youngster was ecstatic while talking to South African newspaper The Daily Dispatch after his splendid innings. He said,
I don’t think anyone actually thinks they are going to get 300. 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.
He lauded his teammate as well with whom he shared a partnership of 428 runs for the fifth wicket.
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.
Marco Marais from @_BorderCricket_ celebrating after running a single to score 300* versus EP. pic.twitter.com/k7daF8eFAu
— Melonie Gobel (@meloniegobel) November 23, 2017
ALSO READ: Glenn Maxwell breaks record with his maiden double century in First-Class matches — WATCH
Here’s the list of fastest 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
