Sri Lanka were bowled out for 42 by South Africa in Durban – the lowest Test total in the history of their men’s team.
Replying to South Africa’s first innings 191, Sri Lanka were all out after 13.5 overs on day two of the first Test.
Marco Jansen returned career-best Test figures of 7-13 from 6.5 overs, with Gerald Coetzee (2-18) and Kagiso Rabada (1-10) claiming the other wickets.
Sri Lanka’s men’s previous lowest Test innings was 71 against Pakistan in Kandy in 1994.
On only eight occasions has a team been bowled out for fewer than 42 runs in men’s Test cricket.
Kamindu Mendis (13) and Lahiru Kumara (10) were the only batters to reach double figures.
Their innings lasted 83 balls, the second shortest in men’s Test history when a team has been bowled out.
The lowest was by South Africa, who were bowled out for 30 from 75 balls by England at Edgbaston in 1924.
South Africa moved to 132-3 at stumps, to lead by 281 runs.
Sri Lanka need to beat South Africa in both matches of the two-Test series and also defeat Australia in both Tests in the New Year to secure their place in the final of the World Test Championship.
Three wins and a defeat from these final four Tests of the two-year cycle could be enough for a place in the final.
South Africa can also reach the final and winning both Tests against Sri Lanka and a clean sweep in two Tests against Pakistan in December and January will guarantee their place.
Three wins and a draw from those four Tests could also be enough for the Proteas.
Sri Lanka sit third in the World Test Championship standings, with South Africa fifth.
