We didn't give our bowlers the total they might have liked to defend: Markram

South Africa had to crawl their way to a one-run victory against Nepal in the Group D encounter at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent, with a spirited bowling display from Tabraiz Shamsi ensuring things eventually fell in their favour. 

It was deja vu all over again for South Africa, who lost to the Netherlands in the 2022 T20 World Cup, giving a free pass to Pakistan. However, today, they managed to come out on top at the end. But Aiden Markram understood that it was a performance that didn’t give them confidence going into the Super Eight, as they lacked conviction in their process. 

“We weren't overly chuffed at the halfway stage. Pretty much as a whole tonight, I thought we were nowhere near our best. We just lacked a bit of intensity and conviction in how we want to play and in our game plans and things like that. But like I mentioned out on the field you have to give a lot of credit to the Nepal team,” Markram said in the post-match press conference. 

“They put us under a lot of pressure, they showed the quality that they are and have in their change room and made life really difficult for us. So, we'll take lots of learnings from a night like this, as I'm sure they would, and they'll also take a lot of confidence from really having us on the ropes.”

Even though Nepal failed to qualify for the Super Eight, they have once again given solid evidence of their growth. Led by Rohit Paudel, Nepal has many talented players like Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, and Dipendra Singh. Markram applauded their growth while stating that their fans added a new charm to the sport.

“We've seen it now over the last year or two specifically. We're at the same hotel as them. They're a great bunch of guys, very friendly, very respectful. And I think the way that they've approached their game and the cricket that they're playing results in them getting a fantastic fan base. 

“The players have deserved it and to add on to that, it's fantastic to see the fans buying into it as well. I don't know too much about Nepal cricket, but looking at it from an outside point of view, I would say it's in a really great place and really exciting times ahead for them.”

Batting first, South Africa could manage just 115 runs, which, on a normal day, wouldn’t be enough. Nepal were cruising at one point, with the scorecard reading 82/3, but a terrific spell from Shamsi changed the game in its head. Hence, Markram, while crediting the spinner, added that the batting team ought to give the pacers more to defend.

“I think, once again, we didn't give them the total they might have liked to defend. So, you do have to be really appreciative that they've kept us in the game and managed to get it down to the last over. Our fast-bowling unit has been bowling really well this competition and you want to back that and give them the freedom and let them sort of feel that they can win you games on any wicket, really,” the skipper added.

“So, I thought they bowled well tonight. Shamsi was excellent. It's fantastic to have him back in the team to get an opportunity to get some time in the middle and to bowl the way he did. So, from a bowling point of view, not too many concerns, but a lot of learning can take place in the other two facets, I feel.”

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