The most exciting New Zealand vs South Africa is the 2nd match of the tri-series tour of Pakistan in 2025. The match has a separate fan base and it is most trilling with the good squads

Match Details

• Teams: New Zealand vs South Africa
• Tournament: NZ & SA tour of Pakistan 2025
• Date: February 10, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM IST
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

TOSS: New Zealand own the opt to bowl

Live Streaming and Telecast :

In India: The match will be live telecast on Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app or website.

Online:Fan code

In Pakistan: Viewers can watch the live telecast on PTV Sports.

In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ will broadcast the match live.

In Bangladesh:TV Channel Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports and Online Streaming: Rabbithole app, T Sports app

In the United States: Willow TV will provide live coverage.

ALSO READ:NZ vs SA 2nd Match, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Highlights to Batch:

Both the teams played remarkable batting; explosive power hitting, smart stroke play kept the fans on tenterhooks throughout.

Brilliant bowling spells mounted pressure leading to crucial breakthroughs.

A thrilling finish at the end gave this match an experience that most games in the series could hardly surpass.

Magnificent fielding; brilliant catches, quick runouts showed that how agile both teams were in fielding.

SA20 2025 LIVE STREAMING DETAILS:

The excitement is palpable as the SA20 2025 final is fast approaching, with cricket fans worldwide. South Africa has its premier T20 league that has so far offered a roller coaster of action and suspense. Here's where you can find how to watch the SA20 final live

• Match Date: February 8, 2025
  Time: 9:00 PM IST
  Venue: Johannesburg

TOSS TIMING:8:30 PM

Where to Watch SA20 Live – TV & Streaming Platforms

ALSA READ:CCL 2025: Where & How to Watch the Match online & on tv Live streaming local channel

🔥 SA20 FINAL SHOWDOWN! 🔥
It's MI Cape Town 🆚 Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the grand finale! 🏆 Who's taking the crown? Drop your predictions! 👇⚡ #SA20 #SA20Final #CricketLovers #MICapeTown #SunrisersEasternCape #T20Action pic.twitter.com/YAHds8eY0v

— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) February 8, 2025

MI CAPE TOWN

Right before the start of the first T20I game, the viewers became witness to an unusual event in Kinngsmead, Durban. The Indian national anthem reportedly stopped twice due to a possible technical glitch midway during the anthem.

In the first instance, the national anthem stopped and the players were left singing all by themselves. But when the glitch occurred a second time, players including the likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar, and Tilak Varma were left bewildered and their hilarious reaction soon went viral on social media like wildfire.  

Watch the full incident here

Technical issues while playing India national anthem at South Africa #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/zERCrEi3DV

— Mr.Perfect 🗿 (@gotnochills007) November 8, 2024

It was a light moment for the Indian team as the players were seen chuckling around in this video footage. Hardik on one hand could be observed clapping his hands together with a smile on his face while Axar, who was standing next to him was also full of smiles. However, on the contrary, the South African team did not face any such hiccups of this sort when their country's national anthem was played. 

Calm before the storm

Although players shared a light moment before the start of the game, very few could have accurately speculated the carnage that was to follow. Sanju Samson launched a scathing attack on the Proteas bowlers and smashed his second consecutive T20I ton to power India to a commanding first innings total of 202-8. During his scintiliating knock, Samson amassed 107 in 50 balls which included seven fours and a mind-boggling 10 sixes. 

In reply, South Africa were a no-show with the bat and the target proved way beyond their reach as they were bundled out cheaply for only 141. 

See also: Controversial India vs Bangladesh Kanpur Test venue rating revealed

South African ODI captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out from the ODI series opener against Afghanistan due to illness. The stand-in captain's name has been announced for the ODI series opener. 

Afghanistan and South Africa are ready for the three-match ODI series in Sharjah. The ODI series opener will be played on Wednesday (September 18). 

ODI captain Temba Bavuma will miss the ODI series opener due to illness. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) hasn’t revealed any details, including his availability for the next fixtures.

SEE ALSO: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: ICC announces record prize money

Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the ODI series opener against Afghanistan

South African T20I captain Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the ODI series opener against Afghanistan. The CSA has announced Markram as a stand-in captain for this ODI series.

UPDATE!

Proteas One-Day International (ODI) captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday, 18 September due to illness.

Aiden Markram will be the stand-in captain.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/5mnr1lDOWy

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 17, 2024

The 29-year-old Markram has already led South Africa in 12 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He first led the South African ODI team in the last five games of the six-match home ODI series against India in 2018. Markram was the second youngest ODI captain for South Africa. 

In 2023, Markram led six more ODIs, including twice in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023 in India. Last December, he led the Proteas ODI team for the last time during the three-match home ODI series against India. 

Under Markram’s leadership, the South African ODI team has won six matches and lost six games.  

Last June, the Markram-led South African team finished as the runners-up in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and United States. 

Afghanistan and South Africa are ready to meet outside the ICC tournaments

In the upcoming three-match ODI series in Sharjah, Afghanistan and South Africa will take on each other for the first time in international cricket outside the ICC tournaments. In their two previous ODI meetings, South Africa won by nine wickets and five wickets, respectively. 

After completion of the ODI series against Afghanistan, South Africa will play a two-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. 

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

See Also: Rohit Sharma invites fans to join India’s victory parade in Mumbai; Check full schedule

Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.

India’s cricket team ended a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy by defeating South Africa in a thrilling T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. This victory made India only the third team after the West Indies and England to win two titles in men’s T20 World Cup history. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India had a perfect campaign, finishing unbeaten and showcasing their dominance on the world stage.

See Also: No congratulatory post from Shubman Gill after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win; Fans react

India’s journey through the T20 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. The team won every match leading up to the final, displaying a blend of tactical brilliance, skill, and resilience. Key victories against top teams set the tone for their successful campaign, culminating in the final against South Africa.

Top 5 captains of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma led India to their second T20 World Cup title, ending a decade-long wait for an ICC trophy. His strategic brilliance and ability to inspire his team were key factors in India’s unbeaten run.

Rohit took over India’s captaincy in the shortest format after the underwhelming outing from the team in the 2021 T20 World Cup. In his first outing as captain in T20 World Cup, Rohit had led the team to the semifinal in Australia two years back. It was a campaign that ended with a comprehensive defeat against England.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership was instrumental in India’s triumph. Rohit led with a calm demeanor and strategic acumen. His ability to inspire the team and make crucial decisions under pressure was evident throughout the tournament. Rohit’s record as a captain is impressive, with 50 wins from 62 T20I matches, including the World Cup final.

2. Adien Markram

Markram’s leadership saw South Africa reach their first-ever World Cup final in men’s cricket. His calm demeanor and strategic acumen were instrumental in their campaign.

Adien Markram’s captaincy was pivotal to South Africa’s success in the tournament. His leadership style, characterized by calmness and strategic thinking, helped the team navigate challenging situations. Markram’s own performances with the bat and in the field were crucial, as he led from the front and inspired confidence in his teammates.

South Africa had a commendable campaign, reaching the final after several impressive performances. The team showed resilience and skill, particularly in the knockout stages.

As a captain, Markram’s record is stellar. It goes back before the eight wins at T20 World Cup 2024, two wins in as many starts as skipper in the absence of injured Temba Bavuma at ODI World Cup 2023, having also gone six from six 10 years ago as the Proteas won the 2014 edition of the Under 19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan to their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal, showcasing resilience and skill. His performances with the ball and as a leader were exceptional.

Afghanistan’s journey to the semifinals was one of the tournament’s highlights. Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, the team defeated top-ranked sides, including New Zealand and Australia. Afghanistan’s rise in cricket has been remarkable, and their performance in this World Cup was a testament to their growth and potential.

4. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s England reached the semifinals, where they were outplayed by India. Despite the loss, Buttler’s leadership and England’s journey were noteworthy.

England’s campaign in the T20 World Cup had its ups and downs. After a shaky start, the team found their rhythm and made it to the semifinals. However, India outplayed them in the crucial match. Jos Buttler’s leadership was commendable, and England’s journey was filled with valuable lessons and experiences.

5. Rovman Powell

Rovman Powell’s West Indies had a mixed campaign, starting strong but faltering in key matches. Powell’s leadership helped the team progress, but they ultimately missed out on the semifinals.

The West Indies, co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024, had a promising start but faltered in key matches. Under Rovman Powell’s captaincy, the team showed glimpses of their potential but ultimately missed out on a semifinal berth. Powell’s leadership saw the team make progress, but there were areas that needed improvement.

The curtains on arguably the most exhilarating of all T20 World Cups were drawn with India’s magnificent triumph over South Africa in a pulsating final that aptly summed up the entire tournament. It twisted this way and that till the very end, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. India, with their embarrassment of riches in terms of talent and an unerring determination to win, emerged victorious, solidifying their position as one of the true behemoths of modern cricket.

With this victory, India became just the third side to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup twice, England (2010, 2022) and West Indies (2012, 2016) being the only other teams to have achieved the feat.

See Also: India-W vs South Africa-W Day 3 Stumps: India Women in strong position as South Africa Women trail by 105 runs in their second innings

Top 5 game-changing moments of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Suryakumar Yadav’s catch

The final over was nail-biting with South Africa needing 16 runs to win. David Miller smashed the ball over the bowler, destined to fly over the boundary ropes. But then, Suryakumar Yadav intervened.

He plucked it out of thin air, juggled it as he went over the ropes, and managed to hold on with his feet millimeters away from the boundary cushion. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed it a legal catch, extinguishing South Africa’s last batting hope with Miller departing for 21.

Kagiso Rabada got a lucky boundary on the next ball after Miller’s dismissal, but South Africa managed just four more runs in the final four balls, including another dismissal, as India secured a narrow 7-run win.

2. Bumrah bagged wicket of Rizwan

Jasprit Bumrah’s prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan (31 off 44) in the 15th over was a turning point. Rizwan, guiding Pakistan with composure, fell to Bumrah’s stunning delivery, flattening the stumps.

The moment India won the game came in the first ball of the 15th over. The stumps lay flattened. Mohammad Rizwan, on his knees, dragged himself onto his feet from the pits of disgust. Jasprit Bumrah was wheeling away wildly, his equally excited teammates leapt onto him.

The match almost in the jaws of Pakistan, Bumrah produced a moment as only he could. Bumrah’s electrifying celebration reflected the importance of this wicket. Rizwan’s dismissal brought the crowd to their feet and reinvigorated India’s supporters.

3. Bumrah’s picked wicket of Travis Head

Travis Head’s resilient knock and partnership with Mitchell Marsh brought Australia within reach of India’s challenging target of 206 runs. Kuldeep Yadav broke this crucial partnership, but it was Bumrah’s dismissal of Head in the 17th over that was pivotal.

Bumrah, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a slower ball on the stumps. Head backed away and attempted a big swing but was completely deceived by the change in pace. The ball went high into the off side, where Rohit Sharma, positioned at covers, settled under the ball and took a pressure-filled catch. Head’s dismissal was a significant relief for the Indian camp, bringing them closer to victory. With Australia’s required run rate climbing, they needed 53 runs off the final 17 balls.

4. Aiden Markram’s superman-show

In the final over against England, Aiden Markram took a brilliant catch to dismiss the in-form Harry Brook, sealing the game for South Africa. Brook was looking in good touch against the Proteas as he helped stitch a crucial partnership with Liam Livingstone worth a 78-run stand in 42 balls to take England’s chase of 164 back on track. While Liam Livingstone was dismissed after a 17-ball 33, Brook looked to carry on and went past his half-century in relatively quick fashion and was looking to put an end to the chase.

During the final over of the chase, England needed 14 runs in the last six balls to win the match. Anrich Nortje was bowling the last over and Brook aired the very first delivery. Markram took a brilliant catch running back from mid-off. He had his eyes set on the ball as he was running back and looking over his right shoulder. He stretched fully and completed the catch to take the game away from England.

5. Axar Patel’s magic against Jos Buttler

In the semifinal between India and England, Axar Patel’s impressive delivery on the very first ball dismissed Jos Buttler, who attempted a reverse-sweep but misjudged the ball.

It was the first delivery of the fourth over and Axar Patel bowled it full on off. Jos Buttler had made his mind and went for a reverse-sweep but got into a bizarre position and the ball looped up in the air off the bottom of his blade behind the stumps. 

Rishabh Pant took an easy catch, giving India the breakthrough they needed. Patel’s dismissal of Buttler set the tone for India’s defense, leading to their competitive total of 171.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram has minimized the threat posed by Team India and its star players ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, scheduled for Saturday in Barbados. While acknowledging India’s past successes in cricket, including winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and two ODI World Cups, Markram expressed confidence in his team’s abilities.

“Probably I just see it as a new game of cricket…”

He views the final as a significant opportunity for South Africa, their first men’s World Cup final, to clinch the elusive trophy.

“Probably I just see it as a new game of cricket, to be honest. We all know India’s a great team. Us as a team, as South Africans, have been sort of trending in the right direction the last couple of years, but maybe not progressed in tournaments as far as we would have liked,” Markram said on the eve of the match.

“So, an exciting occasion tomorrow against a good opposition in India, but a nice opportunity for us as the Proteas as well.”

South Africa’s path to the final and preparation

South Africa’s journey to their maiden men’s World Cup final has been marked by winning all eight matches, although some were closely contested against teams like Bangladesh and Nepal.

“There have been close moments in games that would have probably affected the result and we managed to win those moments,” He said. “To have done them two, three, maybe four times throughout the competition so far has sort of given the team the belief that you can win from any position, which I think is quite important for a team to have that.”

“You play a game, you get on a plane, you fly, you check in at a new hotel and play your next game of cricket the next day. So, I don’t think there’s too much reflecting that happens.

“But it’s more the opportunity that we have of being in a final that sort of excites me quite a bit I think after the competition we will sit back and really appreciate what we’ve achieved so far as a team,” he said.

“But yeah, we’d love to get to our first final and be able to win that first final. And hopefully in the years to come that can break the burden of what a lot of other people are saying about us as a team.”

“…you say, ‘guys, we’ve still got one more step to go’. So, it’s not driven by coach or by captain. The whole unit sort of feels that and is driven by that,” he said.

“…sportsmen are highly competitive people and nobody would want to lose, and especially not lose in a final. So, I think there’s no sense that the guys are satisfied regardless of the result tomorrow. I think there’s still a massive hunger for us to go out and win tomorrow’s game.”

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024, Final, South Africa vs India Live streaming

Markram emphasized the team’s resilience in winning tight matches, suggesting it will be advantageous in the final showdown. Despite the demanding schedule and constant travel during the World Cup, Markram indicated satisfaction with the team’s progress and mindset heading into the championship match. He highlighted the team’s motivation and determination to seize the trophy, reflecting their focused approach towards the upcoming final against India.

For South Africa, 27th June will be a day to remember as they make their way to their maiden final in an ICC World Cup. Aiden Markram’s men hammered Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan by nine wickets at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, advancing to the T20 World Cup 2024 final.

South Africa bowled Afghanistan out for 56 runs in 11.5 overs and chased down the target with more than 10 overs left in their innings. They entered the final match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 as the only unbeaten team with already eight wins to their name. This convincing win over Afghanistan in the semi-final also brought an end to South Africa’s 32-year-long wait, breaking their semifinal jinx and setting the stage for a historic final.

South Africa in ICC WC Semi-Finals
Mats: 8
Won: 1 (today)
Lost: 6
Tied: 1 (vs AUS, 1999)

Aiden Markram’s captaincy

Aiden Markram’s journey as captain has been remarkable. Stepping in for an injured Temba Bavuma, Markram has led the team with poise and determination. His leadership style, characterized by calmness, and strategic acumen, has been pivotal in South Africa’s success in the tournament so far.

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

Markram has led his team to the World Cup final unbeaten throughout the tournament. South Africa have won all their eight matches so far, from the group stages to the Super Eight and then their win against Afghanistan during the semi-finals. They also beat the semi-finalists, England, during the Super Eight stage.

This is an impressive record as a captain of a team that has struggled to get past the knockout stage at the international level. He will be leading the South African team in the World Cup final on June 29, 2024.

The unwavering leadership

In March 2023, he was appointed as the captain of the South Africa cricket team in T20Is, ahead of their home series against the West Indies.

The dream many of his predecessors chased, only to fall short when it mattered most, is now within reach for the South African men’s team. Captain Aiden Markram has excelled in his decision-making, even though he has maintained a low profile.

Strategic mastery against the West Indies

Markram’s strategic brilliance was on full display in the must-win clash against the West Indies. He boldly used 12 overs of spin, including bowling himself. Markram did just that, securing a crucial win to advance to the semifinals at the expense of the co-hosts.

An unbeaten skipper

Markram is the only skipper in the world currently to win all the matches he has led across the U19 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup.

In 2014, he led South Africa to their only U19 World Cup win, a year when the senior Proteas reached the T20 World Cup semifinal. Markram guided the team to six unbeaten wins to claim the U19 title. He has also led the Proteas to victory in two ODI World Cup games.

In the ongoing T20 World Cup, the Proteas have won eight matches in a row, equaling the record for most consecutive wins in the tournament’s history, alongside Australia.

Markram has now gone 10 matches unbeaten as captain in senior global events, joining Sune Luus as South African skippers to reach World Cup finals, with the latter doing so at the Women’s T20 World Cup last year on home soil.

Breaking the semifinal jinx

South Africa’s journey to the final is historic considering their past semifinal woes. Since their World Cup debut in 1992, the Proteas have been tagged as “chokers” due to their inability to progress beyond the semifinals despite having strong teams.

Every South African skipper, Kepler Wessels, Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Temba Bavuma, tried to break the jinx of the semi-final but didn’t succeed. Aiden Markram broke this jinx in the first try of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Aiden Markram’s leadership has been a revelation. From leading the U19 team to World Cup glory in 2014 to his unbeaten streak in senior global events, Markram has consistently proven his mettle as a leader. His success in domestic leagues and international tournaments underscores his tactical brilliance and ability to inspire his team.

Trophies Won as captain by Aiden Markram

1. ICC U19 World Cup 2014 for South Africa
2. SA20 2023 tournament for Sunrisers Eastern Cape
3. SA20 2024 tournament for Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Matches Won by Aiden Markram in ICC tournaments:

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.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024, 1st Semi-Final, South Africa vs Afghanistan: “No time to practice” Michael Vaughan’s sensational revelation about Afghanistan

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.