South African captain Aiden Markram couldn’t convert his promising start into a big score during the third T20I against India at SuperSport Park in Centurion. With a hefty target of 220 set by India, Markram stepped up after both openers fell early, aiming to stabilize South Africa’s innings and keep the chase alive.
Initially taking a cautious approach, Aiden Markram soon picked up the pace and launched a few big shots to challenge the Indian bowlers. He showed intent, particularly against spinner Varun Chakravarthy, smashing him for towering sixes in the 10th over. Markram seemed to be building momentum and appeared ready to accelerate further, but his aggressive approach got the better of him on the over’s final delivery.
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On that ball, Chakravarthy delivered a shorter-length ball, inviting a pull shot. Aiden Markram attempted to send it over the boundary once more, but misjudged his timing, failing to connect cleanly. The ball lofted towards deep mid-wicket, where Ramandeep Singh waited calmly to take a straightforward catch. Markram’s frustration was evident as he walked back to the pavilion, visibly upset for missing the chance to make a bigger impact in the chase.
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Aiden Markram’s knock ended at 29 off 18 balls, with a strike rate above 161, including two sixes that briefly raised South Africa’s hopes. His dismissal, however, marked a turning point, as South Africa slipped to 84/4, facing significant pressure. With India’s bowlers dominating, the hosts were left struggling to stay in the contest.
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Markram’s early departure placed the rest of the South African batting lineup under immense stress, as India capitalized on the breakthrough to keep tightening their grip on the game.
