Aiden Markram pulls off a stunning one-handed catch as Sunrisers Eastern Cap enter the SA20 Final

SunRisers Eastern Cape captain Aiden Markram exhibited remarkable athleticism during the match against the Durban Super Giants in the SA20 2024. Aiden Markram grabbed a stunning flying catch to dismiss JJ Smuts in Qualifier 1 of the ongoing T20 tournament.

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape franchise secured a comfortable 56-run victory at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on February 6. The Aiden Markram-led team successfully defended 157 runs in the Qualifier 1 match, advancing to their second final of the event.

Watch – Aiden Markram’s Sensational Flying Catch During Qualifier 1

The Super Giants lost early wickets in their pursuit of 158 runs, with Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke departing cheaply. The team’s struggle continued as they slumped to 13/3 with the dismissal of JJ Smuts, who was dismissed without scoring in the match.

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During the fourth over of the Super Giants’ innings, Smuts mistimed his shot off Ottniel Baartman towards mid-on, where Markram was positioned. The SEC skipper swiftly moved to his left, leaping to grab the stunning one-handed catch, leaving the crowd in awe.

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝, 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞.. 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧. 🦸‍♂️#Betway #SA20 #Playoffs #SECvDSG #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/WFz4dZJvPW

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 6, 2024

Quinton de Kock attempted to stabilize the innings after the early wickets in the run chase. However, De Kock was dismissed for 20 runs off 23 deliveries by Liam Dawson. Wiaan Mulder contributed 38 runs off 34 deliveries, including four boundaries and a maximum.

In-form batter Heinrich Klaasen contributed 23 runs from 15 deliveries, including two sixes. The Super Giants team was dismissed for 106 runs. Marco Jansen and Baartman excelled, each taking four wickets. Baartman earned Player of the Match for his bowling spell.

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The Team Is Full Of Characters – Aiden Markram

During the post-match presentation, Aiden Markram emphasized the team’s self-motivation and adaptability to changing conditions. The skipper expressed satisfaction with their performance despite being short of a few runs in the first innings.

“Wasn’t much of it (team talks at halfway stage) to be honest. The team is full of characters who want to fight and I am fortunate that they were up for it today. We focus quite a lot on conditions, see what is our best chance to win, and execute those plans. The wicket changed a lot before the rain and after the rain. The ball was skidding on after the rain and we thought we were a few runs short at the halfway stage. It is huge, you want to be in the finals, we have won it once and to do it again will be fantastic. We have had a busy week and to get an extra couple of days off will be great,” Markram said at the post-match presentation.

Earlier, the Sunrisers franchise scored 157 runs for the loss of 8 wickets after opting to bat first. Opener Dawid Malan scored 63 off 45, featuring six boundaries and a six. Markram contributed 30 runs off 23 balls. Keshav Maharaj and Junior Dala each took two wickets.

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