Aiden Markram resets clock in first outing after T20 World Cup loss vs India

South Africa will be back in the T20I action for the first time since losing the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India on June 29.

In a painful match that saw them have control for the majority of the game, South Africa were outclassed by the Indian fast bowling unit, who held their nerves in the final 5 overs of the game. SA captain Aiden Markram has opened up on dealing with the loss before the first T20I against West Indies, set to be played on August 23.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the series, Markram said that he was lucky to get some time away from the game where he did not have to engage in conversations about the T20 World Cup.

“I should give it as much time as it needs,” Markram said at a press conference in Guyana on Tuesday. “It was a tough one to swallow at the time. Definitely since then till now, it’s got a bit better to handle; to deal with and to process and put to bed,” he further added.

The batting all-rounder said that he was able to reset himself having taken a break and that it was important to be at peace with everything that happened before moving forward.

“Luckily I was able to take some time to get away from the game, get away from cricket conversations that would spark the discussion once again,” Markram said. “It was nice to get away from that and to reset. Each individual processes it pretty much to themselves. Probably the most important thing is making sure you’re at peace with how it all ended. So that you can move on and move forward.”

South Africa have already won the Test series against West Indies 1-0 and now will look to maintain their dominance in the T20I series as well.

South Africa squad
Aiden Markram, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.