Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Aiden Markram has provided insights into the team’s performance and outlook as they prepare for the first qualifier against Durban Super Giants in the SA20. Markram reflected on their journey so far, highlighting the significance of winning close games and the contributions of key players like Ottniel Baartman. He discussed the challenges and rewards of captaincy, the busy T20 schedule ahead, and the team’s focus on securing a spot in the final. With aspirations to defend their title, Markram also emphasized the team’s motivation and the potential for emerging talents like Jordan Hermann to make significant contributions.
Speaking about their success in the group stages, Markram said, “Looking back at the group stages of the competition, we have had quite a few close games. And if you manage to win those close games, or most of them at least, you end up sitting in a great position. So we have been fortunate to get over the line in those close games. We had like 4 or 5 of them. Last year we probably missed out on a couple of those close ones, but this year we managed to get over the line. And because of that, it has sort of been a fantastic campaign for us.”
Markram also praised the impact of Ottniel Baartman on the team, stating, “Yeah, he has been fantastic for us. He is known in South Africa to be a really good death bowler. He has got great plans and tends to execute them really well. Obviously there has been a couple of games he has missed out on due to a few niggles, but that happens in a busy competition like the SA20. Every time he has played for us he has taken that responsibility of bowling the really tough overs and he enjoys that challenge. And he has got the skill set to execute it. So we are really happy that he is in our team and our changing room and we have got his skills at our disposal.”
Reflecting on his experiences as a captain, Markram said, “Yeah, it’s been fantastic. There is an opportunity to learn a lot in the last year or so that I have been captain. I have been captaining a while, so it’s nice to be captain again and take up that responsibility. Obviously you learn on the job and make the team a better place for everyone to enjoy themselves and be the better team on the field as well. Love the opportunity to be captain and the responsibilities that come with it.”
Regarding the busy T20 schedule in 2024, Markram said, “Yeah, it’s busy, but it’s great to be busy. I suppose we are living our dream. It’s nice to be involved in these competitions. Maintaining form is obviously ideal but we have to remember it’s still a game of cricket. And things can fluctuate quite a bit. But to remain the same person when you’re doing well or not doing well, and to stick to the same ways you prepare will give you the best chance to succeed.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming SA20 Qualifier, Markram expressed, “Yeah, I think we are looking forward to the first qualifier, there’s no bigger incentive than if you win it you go straight to the final and give yourself a crack at lifting the trophy again. So that’s where our mentality is at the moment. Complete focus on the qualifiers so we can go straight to the final, and the added incentive of not going to Joburg and playing in the eliminator.”
On the potential achievement of winning the trophy again, Markram said, “Yeah, it’ll be huge for me to be honest. Getting it once was obviously incredible last year, so it’s much harder to do it back to back. It’s been really fulfilling not just for me but for everyone involved. We are pretty motivated to try and get the job done.”
Regarding the impact of emerging talent like Jordan Hermann, Markram stated, “Yeah, it’s really not up to us, it’s all down to him. If you are able to see what he does behind closed doors you won’t be surprised with the performances that he puts in. Obviously he is still very young and is learning on the job. He has not played a lot of cricket other than SA20, but he hits millions of balls, trains really hard and is always trying to improve his game.”
Markram’s insights provide a glimpse into the dedication and determination of Sunrisers Eastern Cape as they strive for success in the SA20. With a strong focus on teamwork, talent development, and a winning mentality, the team is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming matches.
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