Aiden Markram ruled out of CT 2025 semi-finals? SA stand-in skipper breaks silence

The 11th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was played between the Aiden Markram-led South Africa National Cricket Team and Jos Buttler-led England National Cricket Team at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, March 1.

South Africa won the match by 7 wickets under the leadership of Aiden Markram, who stood in as captain in the absence of ill Temba Bavuma, before being injured mid-way through the match and being replaced by Heinrich Klaasen as skipper on the field.

Also Read: Watch: Jofra Archer destroys Ryan Rickelton’s stumps and intimidates him with deadly stare

South Africa dominated against England

The Proteas were invited to bowl first in the match and they did an excellent job. Marco Jansen picked up three quick wickets, dismissing Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, and Ben Duckett, to push England on the back foot

Then, the bowlers kept picking up wickets at regular intervals and were supported very well by all the fielders. In just 38.2 overs, South Africa wrapped up the innings, bowling out the Three Lions for 179.

Other than Jansen, Wiaan Mulder picked up a three-wicket haul, while Keshav Maharaj (2), Lungi Ngidi (1), and Kagiso Rabada (1) were also among the wickets.

Chasing the target, Tristan Stubbs fell for a duck, but Ryan Rickelton contributed a crucial 27 runs. Then, Heinrich Klaasen (64) and Rassie van der Dussen (72*) built a match-winning 127-run partnership and the Proteas clinched a win.

I think it’s alright, hopefully in the next few days, I can get good rest and recover - Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram had experienced discomfort in his right hamstring during the first innings of the match, so he left the field as a precautionary measure.

After the match, Michael Atherton asked Markram to provide an update on his niggle, and he said that he would recover fully in the next few days, confirming his availability for the semi-finals. He elaborated:

"(On his hamstring niggle) I think it’s alright, hopefully in the next few days, I can get good rest and recover. (On the pitch) It was slow initially, the boys adapted really well to the conditions. We held our lengths and bowled in good channels."

Aiden Markram showered rich praise on the all-rounder Marco Jansen for providing South Africa with a great start with the ball, and he also lauded Heinrich Klaasen.

"(On Marco Jansen) He has been huge for us, he takes wickets upfront, he finds different ways of doing so and he pairs well with KG as well," Aiden Markram said.

"(On Klaasen) He has been in ridiculous sort of form since the last many months. He had a little niggle but he never really left, he has been great for us. We have to see whether that’s the case and what the conditions will be like, we have a big squad to choose from. The coach generally gets the best out of the players."

Aiden Markram led South Africa in the previous ODI against England as well

South Africa delivered a dominant performance against England in their previous ODI clash during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, winning by a massive margin of 229 runs.

Batting first, the Proteas lost Quinton de Kock early, but the rest of the batters showcased a batting masterclass. Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen built a strong foundation, with Hendricks smashing 85 runs off 75 balls and van der Dussen scoring 60 runs.

Stand-in captain Aiden Markram chipped in with 42 runs, but it was Heinrich Klaasen, who stole the show with his brutal 109 runs off 67 balls, including 12 fours and four sixes. Also, Marco Jansen joined the carnage with an unbeaten 75 runs off 42 balls, propelling South Africa to a huge total of 399/7.

With the ball, South Africa bowlers dismantled the England batting lineup. Lungi Ngidi dismissed Jonny Bairstow and Marco Jansen struck twice in quick succession, removing both Joe Root and Dawid Malan.

Kagiso Rabada picked up the wicket of Ben Stokes, while Gerald Coetzee dismissed Jos Buttler and Harry Brook. Despite a brief late fightback from Mark Wood (43* off 17) and Gus Atkinson (35 off 21), England couldn't recover and got bowled out for 170 in just 22 overs.