Dad's waterworks, Markram's fireworks in maiden T20 ton: 'I didn't know I had that type of game'

While Aiden Markram was visibly emotional after galloping to a maiden hundred in his T20 career - crouching down, punching the air, and swinging his bat almost disdainfully - his gestures couldn't quite beat the poignancy of his father Kyle's reaction.

While SuperSport Park erupted - Markram is a Titans stalwart, after all - as the Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper reached his milestone on Thursday night, and his teammate, Tristan Stubbs, let out a peculiar squeal in delight, Markram senior was calmly looking on with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Like any dedicated father, Kyle has in all likelihood watched his son battle hardship over the last two years as detractors steadfastly pointed out his inconsistency at the highest level.

Markram Family in tears ?? pic.twitter.com/OuBUKbAtul

It's little wonder then the spectacular 58-ball effort, which neatly showcased every strength of Markram's game and guided Sunrisers to Saturday's SA20 final against Pretoria Capitals at the Wanderers, was so overwhelmingly satisfying.

To add to that achievement, Markram readily admitted he never thought he possessed the power game to reach a 20-over ton batting at No 4 - those pyrotechnics, he believed, were reserved for the AB de Villiers' of the world.  

READ | Markram overcomes pressure, seizes moment with pitch-perfect knock: 'That's what AB does'

"It was special. I never really thought I had the game to walk in at No 4 and get a hundred like other guys in the world have. It was a nice moment," he said on Friday.

"I was really grateful that my family was there to experience it first-hand and not on the TV. My dad's a big, strong guy, but he's got a soft, little heart and that's probably why there were a bit of waterworks on his side. 

"It's great