South Africa's cricketing landscape witnessed a historic event in the T20 World Cup 2024, when Aiden Markram, under his tactically smart leadership, led the national team to their first tournament final appearance. Despite a brave attempt, South Africa nearly lost to India in a dramatic game in Barbados, marking a historic event in the team's history.

Graeme Smith, a former South African captain and a recognised voice in cricket, commended Aiden Markram's strategic ability throughout the competition.

"Aiden was particularly good during the tournament. He was tactically astute, had good plans and was brave enough to make the big calls and then get all his players to commit to it," said Smith in a media release.

"We have, of course, seen Aiden captain in this manner before over the course of the past two SA20 seasons, leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back championship titles, but now he has transferred this experience to the international arena," added Smith..

He further stated that SA20 has been able to equip South African cricketers to face pressure and obstacles at the top level over the course of two seasons.

"From the outset, the league, alongside Cricket South Africa, has wanted to provide South African cricketers with the opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of domestic cricket where the players are able to rub shoulders and learn from some of the best the game has to offer," he said.

"Players are exposed to high-pressure and competitive cricket and this experience stood them in good stead in the US and Caribbean," said one of the greatest South Africa captains