Markram welcomes middle order workout as unbeaten Proteas gear up for Black Caps semi
ICC T20 WORLD CUP
George Linde hits out during the Proteas ICC Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe in Delhi.
Image: Kabir Jhangiani/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
Proteas captain Aiden Markram was happy with the workout the team’s middle-order underwent in Delhi ahead of Wednesday’s crucial ICC T20 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza smashed 73 off 43 balls before returning with the ball to take out counterpart Markram and Quinton de Kock within the first three overs of the Proteas’ run chase.
And when Ryan Rickelton also fell in the powerplay after a counterattacking 31 off 22 balls, the Proteas were stuttering at 43/3 in pursuit of Zimbabwe’s 153/7.
But the Proteas’ middle-order has been a strength throughout the competition and the likes of Dewald Brevis (42 off 18 balls, 2x4, 4x6), David Miller (22 off 16 balls), Tristan Stubbs (21 not out off 24 balls) and the recalled George Linde (30 not out of 21 balls) ensured the 2024 runners-up maintain their unbeaten record heading into the semifinals.
Markram was particularly pleased with Linde, who was only playing his third game of the competition.
“Yeah, nice to get the win. Can be a tricky one when you change the team up a bit, some boys not playing, but thought the bowlers and fielders really stepped up,” the skipper said.
“Would've loved to be clinical with the bat but probably not the worst thing that the middle order was put under pressure and came through. The least you can do is give opportunity to the guys working behind the scenes. Never know if you're gonna need them. Can get to conditions that scream out to play one of them and now they've got a game under their belt.”
The Proteas are the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition heading into the knockout stages, which has Markram champing at the bit to get locked in against the Black Caps at Eden Gardens.
“Yeah, exciting. Really exciting semifinal. Kolkata. Against New Zealand I believe,” he said.
“The boys will be up for it in a couple of days time. You look at playing one really good game of cricket and hopefully the result takes care of itself. Still 40 overs of good cricket needed and we need to give it that respect.”