South African captain Aiden Markram expressed his reluctance to play on the current pitch again, but was pleased to see his team conquer a difficult track in the semifinal to advance to their first T20 World Cup final. The pitch at the Brian Lara Academy stadium provided significant movement off the seam, and the South African bowlers used it effectively to dismiss Afghanistan for a meager 56.
“Looking back at this pitch, we’ll probably be glad we don’t have to play here again. In T20 cricket, you want entertainment,” said Markram in the post-match press conference following South Africa’s nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
Markram was thrilled to witness South Africa finding a way to win on a challenging wicket.
“The pitches we’ve encountered throughout the tournament have been quite challenging. It’s important to have variety in conditions; it can’t always favor the batsmen.
“Nevertheless, we are still focused on taking the positives. Tough pitches require us to adapt and find ways to succeed, and that’s crucial.” South Africa will now head to Barbados for the final, where they will face either India or England.
“Throughout our careers, we’ve often had to adjust to different conditions at various venues. It’s about adapting to the pitch and the game in front of you.
“We’ll aim to continue taking wickets with the ball and setting a defendable target with the bat. Both teams have to contend with the same pitch,” he observed.
For now, Markram is savoring the excitement of reaching a World Cup final.
“The emotions we’re experiencing right now are truly special. This team has been together as a white-ball unit for a long time, and it’s rewarding for us to reach a final.
“We believe in our ability to compete with the best in the world and to win trophies. It’s a great opportunity for us to prove that.” The South African captain credited their confidence-boosting victories in close matches during the group and Super Eights stages.
“Winning close games and matches that seemed out of reach definitely boosts your belief and team spirit.
“It contributes a lot to the atmosphere in the dressing room. So, we’ll draw confidence from those experiences and try to capitalize on it in the final,” he remarked.
In a way, South Africa has made up for past disappointments in global events, but Markram emphasized that they are not dwelling on the past in the current dressing room.
“We haven’t really discussed it. I believe it’s an individual motivation to reach a final and have the chance to lift the trophy.
“Looking back, we fell short in that semifinal (in the 50-over World Cup against Australia) and now, a few things went our way, and we managed to secure the win and reach the final.” Markram praised the South African bowlers for making the semifinal a one-sided affair by bowling out Afghanistan for a record low score of 56.
“The bowlers have been exceptional throughout the tournament, often bailing out the batsmen. They deserve a lot of credit.
Markram captained South Africa to victory in the under-19 World Cup a decade ago, but he downplayed the significance of that experience in the current context.
“That was a long time ago, and my memory is fuzzy. However, having achieved success at a certain level does provide some confidence and belief. The pressures in a final are similar,” he added.
Markram also commended Afghanistan for their impressive run in the tournament.
“It’s great to see their progress. They have some of the best players in the world right now, and they’re on the right path. Reaching a semifinal is a huge achievement for them and I believe they have inspired many back home.
“We have also drawn inspiration from their journey to make a positive impact back home. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see them in knockout cricket,” he concluded.
(This story has been published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff, apart from the headline.)
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