Aiden Markram says it’s ‘exciting’ being part of Proteas right now

The Proteas ended their international cricket season with a bang as they clinched two thumping wins over the Netherlands in ODIs over the past weekend to close things off on a high.

It was fitting that Aiden Markram continued his amazing recent resurgence in form, by being named man-of-the-match for the final game and man-of-the-series after some terrific performances.

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Magnificent Markram

In the final ODI it was Markram’s career best 175 off 126 balls that helped the Proteas post 370/8 in their 50 overs, while he also made a contribution with the ball picking up 2/40, as the Netherlands were bowled out for 224 for a 146-run loss.

In last Friday’s ODI, which the Proteas won by eight wickets, Markram also claimed 1/30 with the ball and struck an unbeaten 51 off 39 balls which helped tip the scales in his favour for the man-of-the-series award.

In all it has been an amazing few months for Markram as he has led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the SA20 title and was also named captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad for this season’s IPL.

He was recalled to the Proteas Test side and was named man-of-the-series in their 2-0 win over the Windies and was then named as the new captain of the Proteas T20 side

 “It’s been a nice one. I am super grateful for how things have turned out. I have thoroughly enjoyed the summer so far,” said Markram.

“The team as a whole is going in the right direction in both red ball and white ball (cricket) and it is exciting to be a part of it as a player.

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone, especially the batting unit, that it’s a nice new brand and mindset that we are trying to play with and slowly but surely we are finding our way as a unit.”

Sisanda Magala

The other player who put his hand up for the man-of-the-series award was Sisanda Magala, who followed up his man-of-the-match performance in Friday’s ODI, where he picked up 3/37, with a maiden five wicket haul in the second claiming top figures of 5/43.

It was really unlucky that Magala’s fantastic performances came at the same time as Markram’s brilliance, as he could just have easily picked up those awards, and his captain Temba Bavuma was quick to praise his contributions and how he has settled into the team.

“It has been a while since one of the bowlers has gone out and taken a five-for (in ODIs for the Proteas) and we know that guys taking five wicket hauls is what changes a game,” said Bavuma.

“Sisanda again putting up his hand and really making a play for the team was great. He is fitting in like a glove.

“He comes in (to bowl) when the ball is a bit old and is always looking to attack and hit those wickets and things have gone his way. Every game he has put his best foot forward and he is in good form at the moment.”

World Cup qualification

Bavuma was also happy that the Proteas had done everything they can to qualify automatically for the ODI World Cup being held in India later in the year.

The two wins over the Netherlands has seen the Proteas move up into the eighth and final automatic qualification spot on the World Cup Super League log on 98 points.

The only team that can still catch them is Ireland, who need to whitewash Bangladesh in their three match ODI series in May, which will draw them level on points with the Proteas, with net run rate then deciding who goes through.

Should Ireland pull off that massive feat, the Proteas will have to compete in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe in June and July where 10 teams will be battling it out for the final two spots in the World Cup.

“We did exactly what we wanted to do in terms of (Super League) points and in terms of qualification as well. We have done ourselves justice from that point of view. We obviously still have to see in May what happens there,” said Bavuma.

“But in terms of the cricket there were a lot of positives within the batting and bowling units which we can build on.”