South African captain Aiden Markram was thrilled to see his team overcome a challenging pitch and reach the maiden T20 World Cup final. The Brian Lara Academy stadium in St. Kitts offered significant movement for the bowlers, and South Africa’s quicks capitalized on it to dismiss Afghanistan for a record low of 56 runs.
Markram admitted that he wouldn’t want to play another match on that particular pitch but was proud of his team’s ability to adapt. He emphasized the importance of finding a way to win despite difficult conditions, highlighting that not every pitch can be conducive to high-scoring matches.
Looking ahead, South Africa will now travel to Barbados for the final against either India or England. Markram remained confident in his team’s ability to adjust to different venues and conditions, stating that the team has a proven track record of adapting and playing to the pitch. He reiterated the team’s focus on taking wickets with the ball and setting a defendable target with the bat, acknowledging the importance of both teams playing on the same surface.
The captain expressed immense satisfaction in reaching the final, highlighting the team’s long journey together as a white-ball unit. He asserted their belief in competing with the world’s best and their desire to win trophies. The opportunity to compete for the title was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Markram attributed the team’s recent confidence to their ability to win close matches throughout the tournament. He believes that these tight victories have boosted the team’s morale and created a positive environment in the dressing room. He hoped that this newfound confidence would translate into a successful final performance.
Despite South Africa’s past struggles in global events, Markram emphasized that the team was not dwelling on the past. The current focus was on winning the trophy and making the most of the opportunity to lift it. He acknowledged that past failures had provided valuable lessons and served as motivation to perform better in the present.
Markram lauded the South African bowlers for their exceptional performance in the semifinal, stating that they had been instrumental in the team’s success throughout the tournament. He acknowledged their ability to save the batters on numerous occasions and expressed his appreciation for their contributions.
While Markram had led South Africa to the under-19 World Cup title a decade ago, he did not rely on that experience for motivation. He recognized that it was a different time, and the current situation presented its own set of pressures. However, he acknowledged that past achievements instilled a sense of confidence and belief in his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Markram also recognized the remarkable performance of Afghanistan throughout the tournament. He praised their players, highlighting their exceptional skills and the inspiration they have provided to cricket fans in their home country. He acknowledged the significance of their semifinal appearance and believed that they have a bright future in international cricket. He concluded by expressing his admiration for Afghanistan’s ability to inspire people back home and believed that their journey in knockout cricket was far from over.
