Aiden Markram has led South Africa to uncharted territory guiding the team to their first-ever World Cup final. After decades of heartbreak in semifinal matches the Proteas finally shattered their “chokers” tag with a dominant victory over Afghanistan.
“It’s obviously a really nice feeling really good feeling” Markram said after the match. The captain’s joy was palpable as he reflected on the team’s journey. “This team’s been together for a long time now as a white ball group both formats and it’s nice for us to get to a final.”
Markram is no stranger to World Cup success having led South Africa to victory in the 2014 U-19 World Cup. While acknowledging the vast difference in levels he hopes that experience will prove valuable in the upcoming final.
The semifinal itself was a testament to South Africa’s bowling prowess. They dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup restricting them to just 56 runs. Markram was quick to praise his bowlers’ consistent performance throughout the tournament.
“The bowlers not just today but the whole competition they’ve been really good” he said. “Probably saving the batters on certain occasions but conditions I would say have been in their favour.”
As South Africa bask in this historic moment they now await the winner of the India-England clash. With their long-standing World Cup curse finally broken the Proteas will be eager to seize this opportunity and claim their first major trophy.