Exclusive: Proteas Captain Markram’s Rich Form Gives South Africa a Real Shot at T20 Crown, says Paul Adams

Aiden Markram started the year with a century, 108 off 58 balls, in the SA20 competition for the Durban Super Giants. Just a few days later, he achieved his highest score in T20Is with an unbeaten 86 off 47 balls against the West Indies at home, chasing a target of 174.

South Africa won the series 2-1, and Markram carried his rich form into the T20 World Cup with a purpose: to push the Proteas beyond the finish line and erase the heartbreak from Barbados in 2024.

Markram, who averaged 15.37 in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, has been leading from the front in the ongoing ICC event with 178 runs in four matches at an average of 59.33. Last weekend, he led a chase of 176 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad and remained unbeaten on 86* again with three balls fewer. The innings comprised eight fours, four sixes and a lot of intent. And on Wednesday, the 28 off 11 against the UAE was no different, with five fours and a six.

MARKRAM LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED

Former South Africa cricketer Paul Adams felt Markram's form could be the difference in this World Cup. 

"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," he told Sportsboom.co.za. 

"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."

Adams, now the High Performance Spin Bowling Lead for Cricket South Africa, reasoned that Markram's hunger could win the trophy. 

"He is leading from the front, and that hunger gives South Africa a real shot at finally breaking through," he added.

South Africa topped Group D with eight points, winning four out of four, and will next face India and the West Indies in the Super Eight stage. Markram is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

LEADER SINCE U-19 CRICKET DAYS

Adams praised Markram's leadership qualities, which were evident since his junior cricket days. 

"His leadership didn't really start yesterday. When South Africa won the U-19 World Cup in 2014, he was the leader, and we have seen his big-game temperament, plus, he has two titles in the SA20 with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. He has come out on top in high-pressure environments with big crowds, where you need to win the tactical battles. These experiences have settled him in international cricket. He communicates with the players and has clarity of thought. Technically, he has been sharp with the way he set the field and used his bowlers," he said.

"He seems to enjoy a good relationship with head coach Shukri Conrad. They managed the double Super Over against Afghanistan very well. He has grown from a promising leader back then into someone who understands momentum and game situations," added the veteran.

STRATEGY FOR SUPER EIGHT MATCHES

South Africa has got off to handsome starts with Markram and Quinton de Kock. Adams' advice to the players is to keep repeating the carnage upfront. The Proteas’ powerplay scores read 58 (vs New Zealand), 44 (vs UAE), 43 (vs Afghanistan), and 65 against Canada in the first six. 

"Aiden and Quinton really complement each other as openers. I think they have to keep their belief in the powerplay, where they have made a great impact. They have to hold on to the momentum. If they fall, the middle-order will be tested in the pressure moments. India relies on those early breakthroughs with Jasprit Bumrah with the ball,” said Adams, who retired with 134 Test and 29 ODI wickets.

Adams, however, warned South Africa about mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, the No 1 T20I bowler in the world. 

“I feel the key player could be spinner Chakravarthy. Whenever India has come under pressure early on, Chakravarthy comes and stops the game by taking wickets. He will be a real factor, but South Africa have played quite a bit against India. They will know what they will be up against. They have to counterattack." 

“West Indies is a different challenge. They bring a lot of firepower with the bat. South Africa's bowling has to restrict that with variations, mixing up the pace, and changes of lengths. We can’t be predictable against them,” added the former cricketer.

Overall, Adams believes South Africa has been smart with disciplined fielding and clarity of roles for every player.