South Africas captain Aiden Markram eagerly anticipates the chance to challenge the formidable Indian team in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. Markram a righthanded batter emphasizes deriving motivation from the teams positive trajectory irrespective of the outcome in the ultimate showdown.
In a twist of fate the Proteas have persevered against all expectations to qualify for the prestigious final of the 2024 World Cup demonstrating unparalleled determination and rewriting their narrative with each thrilling triumph. Defeating formidable adversaries like the West Indies England and Afghanistan they have etched their name in history by gracing their firstever World Cup summit clash.
Speaking to media ahead of the final, Aiden Markram stated that despite their efforts, South Africa has not been as successful in ICC competitions over the years.
“Whether you win or whether you lose, you’ve gone a step further at least, and for us that’s going in the right direction. It’s a new game of cricket. We all know India’s a great team. Us as a team of South Africans, have been training in the right direction in the last couple of years but maybe not progressed in tournaments as far as we would have liked. An exciting occasion against a good opposition in India but a nice opportunity for us as the Proteas as well.”
Aiden Markram
South Africa’s greatest result in tournament history prior to this year was reaching the semi-finals in 2014. India, incidentally, defeated them, with Virat Kohli scoring an undefeated 72 runs.
“Don’t see it as it was me that got us into this position” – Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram also claimed to be certain that South Africa can win from any position.
“I don’t see it as it was me that got us into this position at all. It’s been a squad effort, and a squad that’s been together for a few years now that’s been on a journey. The journey has now finally got us here to our first final, which is a proud and special feeling, not just for me but for everyone involved in the squad. It’s given the team the belief that you can win from any position, which I think is important.”
Aiden Markram
The Proteas last won an ICC event in 1998, and India did it in 2013.