Fortunate to have lost that toss: Markram after 9-wicket win in semi-final
Afghanistan asked South Africa to bowl first and Markram says that they were fortunate enough because they would have batted as well. He admits that it was tough for the batters and then praises the bowlers.
Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2024-06-27T10:52:20+06:00
Updated - 2024-06-27T10:52:20+06:00
South Africa captain Aiden Markram expresses joy after defeating Afghanistan in the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by 9 wickets on Thursday (27th June) at Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Trinidad and reached the finals of T20 World Cup 2024. Proteas dismantled Afghanistan for a paltry 56 runs earlier on. Marco Jansen and other pacers ran riot through the Afghan's batting lineup to bundle them out for a measly 56 runs. In reply, captain Aiden Markram stood tall and scored a crucial 23* off 21 deliveries, along with Reeza Hendricks' 29 off 25 balls steered them through the final of the tournament for the very first time.
Afghanistan asked South Africa to bowl first and Markram says that they were fortunate enough because they would have batted as well. He admits that it was tough for the batters and then praises the bowlers.
“It feels good. It's a massive squad effort. Really chuffed for us to have one more crack at lifting that trophy. Fortunate to have lost that toss - we also would've batted. The bowlers got it in the right areas and kept it really simple in these conditions. It's quite tough for batters but we knew it was a matter of partnership. We have had a few close games and a few people back home would have woken up early with more grey hairs. Glad today was a bit more comforting,” Markram said.
Markram now turns his concentration to the final which South Africa never achieved before. He wants the whole squad to deliver a good performance again in the final against India or England on June 29. “It is one more step for us, it is an opportunity we have never had, nothing to be scared of. This win means a lot, we have some world class players in the side but like I said, it takes a whole squad to be able to deliver such a performance,” he added.