Aiden Markram was brave, tactically astute while leading South Africa in T20 World Cup: Graeme Smith

Former South African captain Graeme Smith has lauded Aiden Markram for his brave and astute captaincy in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Markram took the Proteas to their maiden World Cup final, breaking their semifinal jinx.

The flamboyant was able to get the best out of his players and he was spot on with his tactics. Markram was right on the money with his field placement and bowling changes throughout the T20I showpiece. 

But Markram didn’t have a great campaign with bat, scoring 123 runs in nine matches at an average of 15.37 and a strike rate of 100.81. However, Markram has impressed one and all as a leader, taking SA20 team Southern Eastern Cape to back-to-back titles.

South Africa lost the World Cup final against India by seven runs and could not get over the line despite needing a run-a-ball 30 with six wickets in hand at one stage.

“We at SA20 are proud of the Proteas’ achievements at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” Smith said.

“From the outset, the League, alongside Cricket South Africa, has wanted to provide South African cricketers with the opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of domestic cricket where the players are able to rub shoulders and learn from some of the best the game has to offer.

“Coupled with a unique fan experience that has brought the cricket-loving public back to our stadiums to support our heroes on the field, there is now a bridge that joins provincial and international cricket.

“Players are exposed to high-pressure and competitive cricket and this experience stood them in good stead in the US and Caribbean.”

On the other hand, Ottneil Baartman scalped six wickets in five matches at an average of 15.67 and an economy rate of 4.95. Baartman returned with impressive figures of 4-11 against the Netherlands and Smith showered praise on the 31-year-old pacer.

“Ottniel is the epitome of a SA20 success story. A relatively unknown player before SA20 that has transformed and grown in confidence due to experiences with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape is phenomenal,” Smith said.

“Despite playing in his very first T20 World Cup, he backed his skills under immense pressure. The four wickets against the Netherlands and the last over against Nepal definitely stand out.”

Showering praise on Aiden Markram, Smith concluded, “Aiden was particularly good during the tournament. He was tactically astute, had good plans, and was brave enough to make the big calls and then get all his players to commit to it,” said Smith.

South Africa will next tour the West Indies for one Test and three T20Is.