"It is an opportunity we have never had," Aiden Markram after beating Afghanistan in 1st Semi-final of T20 World Cup 2024

After guiding South Africa to their maiden T20 World Cup final, skipper Aiden Markram urged his players to stay calm and it’s an best opportunity to win ICC title. South Africa demolished Afghanistan by nine wickets in the first semi-final and now await the winners of the second last-four clash between India and England.

Aiden Markram’s journey as Captain

Aiden Markram’s rise to captaincy has been a journey marked by consistent performances and a clear vision for the team. His leadership style, characterized by calmness and strategic acumen, has instilled confidence in the squad. Markram’s impact as a captain has been profound, driving the team to new heights and fostering a cohesive unit ready to tackle any challenge.

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Semi-Final match against Afghanistan

In the semi-final against Afghanistan, South Africa delivered a dominant performance. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled against South Africa’s fierce bowling attack.

Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada quickly dismantled the top order, reducing Afghanistan to 28/6. Despite a brief counterattack by Karim Janat and skipper Rashid Khan, Afghanistan was bowled out for 56 runs in 11.5 overs.

Markram’s post-match comments

In the post-match presentation ceremony, Markram emphasized the importance of staying calm and embracing the opportunity to compete in their first T20 World Cup final.

“It is one more step for us, it is an opportunity we have never had, nothing to be scared of,” Markram stated, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the team.

Bowlers’ brilliant performance

South Africa’s bowlers were exceptional, with Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada setting the tone early in the innings. Jansen, who took three wickets in his opening spell, and Rabada, who contributed with crucial breakthroughs, played pivotal roles. Wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi also chipped in with three wickets, further dismantling the Afghan batting lineup.

“We were brilliant with the ball, got it in the right areas and kept it really simple. The bowlers have been incredible for us.”

Batting challenges on a tricky pitch

The pitch at Tarouba offered pronounced seam movement, making batting challenging. Despite the conditions, Markram and Reeza Hendricks navigated the chase effectively. Markram acknowledged the difficulty of batting on such a pitch, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and adapting to the conditions.

“It was challenging with the bat, as no batter is going to lie and tell you it was easy out there. We had a bit of luck and then got a bit of a partnership.”

Team effort and squad depth

Markram praised the collective effort of the entire squad, noting that world-class performances stem from a united team effort.

“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 remarked. This unity and depth in the squad have been crucial to South Africa’s success in the tournament.

Preparing for the final

As South Africa prepares for the final, Markram and the team will focus on both mental and physical readiness. Whether facing India or England, the team will need to devise strategies to counter their opponents’ strengths while leveraging their own. Markram’s calm and composed leadership will be vital in maintaining the team’s focus and confidence.