In the second ODI match against Team India, South Africa secured a victory by four wickets at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur.
During the match, South Africa`s opening batsman Aiden Markram smashed 110 runs off 98 deliveries. His knock was laced with 10 boundaries and four maximums.
Reflecting on his match-winning century, Markram said that the pitch in Raipur had pace and swing, following which he was trying to find some rhythm.
“Yes, exactly. You`ve got to get through that initial period. We saw in the first game what the middle order did and from my side I did feel a bit responsible that we just came up short. If you kick on into the 70s, the outcome could easily be different. Tonight, under lights, the wicket had a bit more pace and swing, so the plan was to get in, find some rhythm, and then push on from there,” he said.
He also said that the partnership with skipper Temba Bavuma felt solid, and all the players chipped in and helped the side win the clash.
“I can`t remember the exact over, but later in the innings we (himself and Bavuma) chatted and felt we were both set. That`s normally when I try to play my shots. If one of us gets out, then you rebuild with the next batter. The partnership felt solid. I`m proud of the boys for getting us over the line. It was tricky at the end, high-pressure moments, but the guys stayed calm and got the job done. It definitely helps (having a long batting line-up),” Markram said during post-match presentation.
Further speaking, he said that having batting depth in the team and Keshav Maharaj, who is also handy with the bat, provides freedom.
“When you`ve effectively got 8 batters and Kesh, who can also chip in, that gives you a lot of freedom. As a team we want to play a positive brand, take the game on and put bowlers under pressure. When you`ve got depth, you feel that freedom. The middle order has really put their hands up over the past year. Now it`s up to us at the top to set things up so they can entertain, said the 31-year-old cricketer.
The Centurion-born cricketer also said that opening the innings is great until the ball starts swinging in and out.
“It`s tough to pick (opening or middle order). Everyone says opening is great because the field is up and the ball comes onto the bat nicely. That`s true but when it`s swinging in and out, it can be a challenge. Still, I`m happy either way. It`s only been a few innings at the top again, so I think once I settle in, I`ll start enjoying it even more,” he signed off.
The third ODI match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 6.
(With ANI Inputs)
