SA20 2023: Not many people gave us a chance – Aiden Markram after leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to glory in first season

Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Aiden Markram was delighted after he lead the team to glory in the inaugural edition of the SA20 after beating Pretoria Capitals by four wickets at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Sunday.

Markram, who played a match-winning knock of 100 runs in the semi-final, stated that not many people gave them a chance before the start of the tournament. In fact, SEC could only manage four wins in 10 matches in the league stage but they brought their best in the knockout matches.

Meanwhile, Pretoria Capitals could only manage 135 runs on the board after Markram won the toss and decided to bowl first. Kusal Mendis top scored with 21 runs and none of the other batters could convert their start into a substantial score.

Van der Merwe was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with impressive figures of 4-31 in his quota of four overs and thus he was awarded the Player of the match.

On the other hand, SEC opener Adam Rossington gave a rollicking start to his team as he smashed 57 runs from 30 balls with the help of four fours and five sixes and Markram was all praise for him.

Aiden Markram, who was also awarded the Player of the Tournament for scoring 366 runs in 12 matches, said in the post-match presentation, “Not many gave us a chance at the start. But the character came through. Can’t create those sort of things – it’s down to the individual. After those first few games, we needed guys with character. Lucky to have him. These small totals – you want to break the back of it early on – and he’s the perfect guy (Rossington). Thoroughly enjoyed it. When you’ve got a great group, makes your job easier. Guys have stood up at different times when needed. They’ve put the team first. That crowd at St George’s Park is one to experience. This is for them and to our fans.”

Meanwhile, the Capitals captain Wayne Parnell admitted that a score of 155-160 would have made the game more competitive.

He said after the game, “It’s been such a great tournament. Probably the most special day for domestic cricket in SA. Being part of it is special. We always said they were a strong unit even after beating them twice. It’s hard to say (toss being the match-turner). 155-160 would’ve been a better game. With 135, someone comes off in the powerplay, you can’t pull it back. In hindsight probably yes (bowling Nortje and Rashid earlier). Went with my gut feel. That’s been the message from the first game. Wanted to be brave. Just as a whole franchise, from the top-down, everyone’s brought into the family environment. Everyone left their egos at the door.”