There is a lot of buzz around India’s next Super 12 clash against South Africa in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Perth on Sunday (October 30).
On the eve of the match, Proteas batter Aiden Markram said that the contest between India’s star batter Virat Kohli and the South African pace attack will be an exciting one.
“It is going to be exciting. Our quicks love bowling to him. He has found form, but our bowlers are doing really well at the moment too,” said Markram ahead of the match.
Having regained his form in the Asia Cup 2022, Kohli has taken the cricketing world by storm with his vintage batting dominance. In India’s two matches at the T20 World Cup 2022, he has registered scores of 53-ball 82* and 44-ball 62*.
While Kohli is yet to be dismissed in the showpiece tournament so far, Markram said he has belief in his side’s bowling unit, which includes the likes of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada.
“Perth is bouncier than other venues. Hope our bowlers can exploit,” he added.
Talking about his role in the South African batting line-up, Markram said, “If the top order fires, it becomes the role of carrying the momentum. If the team is in trouble, you steady the ship. I see myself fitting somewhere in between. Whatever the team needs when I am out in the middle is my focus mainly.”
Asked about Rilee Rossouw’s return to the national side, Markram said that it is awesome to have him back and hoped that his good form would continue.
“The world has seen what is capable with the bat since years. He does so many freakish things with the bat, which speaks about his ability,” he added.
Aiden Markram also expressed his disappointment over the abandoned match against Zimbabwe. South Africa were in touching distance of victory but rain entered and played spoilsport.
“We are trying to use it to motivate us because we cannot afford to lose at this stage,” he added.
Coming to the match against India, the Proteas are heading into the game after a 104-run win over Bangladesh. On the other hand, the Men in Blue are coming into the game after back-to-back wins against Pakistan and Netherlands.
(With ANI inputs)
