South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, expressed immense satisfaction with his team’s commanding eight-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at St. George’s Park on Tuesday night. Markram highlighted the significant improvement in his team’s overall performance compared to the series opener in Johannesburg.
After a stellar bowling display by Nandre Burger (3/30), Keshav Maharaj (2/51), and Beuran Hendricks (2/34) restricted India to 211, left-handed opener Tony de Zorzi stole the show with a magnificent unbeaten 119 off 122 balls. His innings, adorned with nine fours and six sixes, guided South Africa to the target in 42.3 overs.
Markram, pleased with the turnaround, stated, “Much better overall performance. Much better with the ball and on the field. It was going around when the openers went out to bat. They (Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks) put up a 100-run partnership and set up the game – that was great.”
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Acknowledging the team’s subpar performance in the series opener, Markram emphasized the strong emphasis on chasing well in the second match, leading to a more confident unit. Reflecting on Nandre Burger’s impactful bowling, Markram commented on the breeze playing a factor and Burger’s ability to exploit the conditions effectively.
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Regarding the par score on the challenging wicket, Markram mentioned, “Not too sure about the par score. Always felt we were in the game with the ball. It was a tough wicket to bat on, but if you applied yourself, you could get big runs. Maybe high 200s (was a par score).”
Tony de Zorzi, playing only his fourth ODI, earned special praise from Markram. “It was huge for him. To put in a performance like that, to remain not out at the end, and to remember how the crowd was to him, we were pretty much in awe. It was fantastic to watch. Hopefully, the first of many for him, and the dressing room enjoyed it.”
With the ODI series now level at 1-1, all eyes are on the decider at Paarl on Thursday.
-IANS
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