On Pressure Of Playing Their 1st T20 World Cup Final, Aiden Markram's Honest Confession

29.06.2024 - 14:41 sports.ndtv.com

Not known for handling pressure well on the big stage, South Africa have pulled off close wins in this competition giving them a strong belief that victory is possible from any situation, captain Aiden Markram said ahead of the T20 World Cup final against India.

India, a team full of superstars, will have to overcome the pressure of not winning an ICC title since 2013 while South Africa head into their maiden World Cup final having not been in that position ever before.

Ahead of the summit showdown on Saturday, Markram was expectedly reminded about the past when Proteas have crumbled under pressure. "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. "So, an exciting occasion tomorrow against a good opposition in India, but a nice opportunity for us as the Proteas as well," said Markram.

cricket South Africa Cricket Team India Cricket Team T20 World Cup 2024 Aiden Markram South Africa India Bangladesh Nepal

"Gutted" and "hurt" after South Africa's heartbreak in the T20 World Cup final, skipper Aiden Markram was aware that they could have won the game against India while hunting down 177, which they felt was a "chasable total". South Africa stood so close to the trophy yet ended up so far. They had a sniff at lifting their World Cup trophy when the equation read 26 runs needed in the final four overs. With Heinrich Klaasen bossing the spinners and David Miller waiting to open his arms on the other end, victory seemed just moments away from South Africa's grasp.

How India Defeated South Africa In T20 World Cup 2024 Final - Five Turning Points

The Indian cricket team ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy after they defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 29, 2024. India and South Africa named an unchanged playing XI after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. India got off to a flying start as openers Rohit and Virat Kohli added 23 runs before Keshav Maharaj removed the Indian captain (9) in the second over.

South Africa in a World Cup final? Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada have been here before

South Africa might be in uncharted territory when they take on serial contenders India in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday.

IND vs SA LIVE Score, T20 World Cup 2024 Final: South Africa's Surprising Tactic Causes India Discomfort

T20 World Cup 2024 Final LIVE Updates: Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs keep two-down South Africa going in the chase of 177 runs against India in the final match of T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The Proteas promoted Stubbs to bat at the fourth spot, which seems to be troubling India. Jasprit Bumrah rattled Reeza Hendricks with a peach of a delivery before Arshdeep Singh got the better of Aiden Markram. Earlier, Virat Kohli anchored with a gritty 76 off 59 as India posted a total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs, which is the highest total by any team in the final of a men's T20 World Cup. India were reduced to 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs but a crucial 72-run stand between Kohli and Axar Patel bailed the team out of trouble. Axar fell for 47 off 31 while Kohli hit 76 off 59. Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje picked two wickets apiece for 23 and 26 runs, respectively. (Live Scorecard)

India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2024 Final: Rohit Sharma Loses Wicket Early vs South Africa. Reaction Says It All

Rohit Sharma could not continue his brilliant run of form as the Indian cricket team captain was dismissed early during the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa on Saturday. Rohit, who played impressive knocks in the matches against Australia and England, was dismissed for just 9 by Keshav Maharaj. During the second over of the Indian innings, Rohit went for a sweep against Maharaj but ended up finding Heinrich Klaasen at backward square leg. The Proteas fielder did not have to move much to complete the catch and the heartbreaking expression on Rohit's face said it all.

Ravi Shastri Calls Match Referee "Punching Bag" Ahead Of South Africa vs India T20 World Cup Final

Ravi Shastri loves to hype up the toss time of a match, and on the occasion of the 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa, it was no different. Shastri was at his brilliant best at the toss, ramping up the atmosphere, making it seem like a boxing encounter. However, a cheeky reference from the former India coach sent the two captains, Rohit Sharma and Aiden Markram, into laughter. Shastri called the match referee a 'punching bag'. Often on the big occasions, things get heated up, causing players to run to the match referee. Shastri played on the context for his hilarious reference. "West Indies' very own, to keep things calm, under control, and a potential punching bag," said Shastri to introduce Richie Richardson, the match referee of the T20 World Cup final.