Aiden Markram smashed his maiden T20 hundred as Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) edged past Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the second semifinal of the inaugural SA20 on Thursday, February 9.
Captain Markram scored 100 runs off just 58 deliveries and guided the Sunrisers to 213/5, which proved too much for the Super Kings. Markram’s side will now clash with the league-toppers Pretoria Capitals in the final on Saturday, February 11.
Markram became the third centurion in SA20 after Joburg skipper Faf du Plessis (113 not out) and Durban Super Giants’ Heinrich Klaasen (104).
With 340 runs in 11 games, Markram is now the fourth-highest run-getter this season.
In the meantime, a video has emerged on social media where Markram’s father and wife Nicole can be seen in tears.
Markram Family in tears 🥹 pic.twitter.com/OuBUKbAtul
— Yash😊🏏 (@YashR066) February 9, 2023
As the SEC captain completed his hundred, more than him, his partner Tristan Stubbs could be heard roaring on the stump mic.
Here’s the video:
Aiden Markram led from the front with a brilliant captain’s 100!
Over to you now Stubbsy… #Betway #SA20 | @Betway_India @AidzMarkram pic.twitter.com/LgiontbB0r
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 9, 2023
Chasing 214 for victory, JSK lost their skipper Du Plessis on the first ball of the innings. Leus du Plooy, too, departed for a duck in the second over.
However, Reeza Hendricks played a valiant knock of 96 (54) with the help of 11 fours and four sixes, and Romario Shepherd (38 not off 14) tried really hard to pull the match in his team’s favour. But the Yellow Army fell short by 14 runs in the end.
