Former Proteas spinner Paul Adams praised Aiden Markram’s leadership and batting prowess as South Africa enters the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup, aiming to break their trophy drought against unbeaten India. Picture: Michael Sherman / IOL
Image: Michael Sherman / IOL
At every Cricket World Cup, without fail, the hopes of South African fans are built up only to ultimately be dashed as other nations like India and Australia lift the trophies, but this T20 World Cup is different according to Paul Adams.
The former Proteas tweaker, who is now the High Performance and Spin Bowling Lead for Cricket South Africa, has sung the praises of Aiden Markram for his batting and leadership ability.
The skipper missed out just once so far in the World Cup when he was out for five against Afghanistan.
Scores of 59, 86 not out, and 28 have seen him climb to fourth on the run-scoring charts with 178 for an average of 59.
"He is leading from the front, and that hunger gives South Africa a real shot at finally breaking through,” Adams told SportsBoom.co.za.
“He is batting with good intent and maturity. The knock against New Zealand was a captain's knock. Even in the opening game against Canada, he set the tone with a 59 off 32 balls. What really impresses me is how he absorbs pressure. He knows when to push, when to rotate, and when to take it deep.
"When your captain scores runs in those ways, it brings a lot of positivity in the dressing room. It lifts the players and brings a sense of calmness.”
South Africa now head to the Super Eights, with their first fixture against World Cup co-hosts India lying in wait on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
It’s a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, with both sides coming into the clash unbeaten.