“We are certainly here to lift the trophy” – Aiden Markram on 2024 T20 World Cup

South African skipper Aiden Markram is optimistic of a good showing in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Markram said the Proteas certainly belief that they can go all the way in the T20I showpiece. The Rainbow Nation has failed to bring their best in the major ICC events and they will look to end their trophy drought.

South Africa has a potent team as they have players like Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Anrich Nortje.

Meanwhile, South Africa won the knockout trophy, now known as the Champions Trophy, back in 1998. But since then they have failed to lay their hands on a big title.

“I am feeling quietly confident,” Markram said ahead of the opening match against Sri Lanka. “There are really good teams here but we feel if we find our form and play to the best of our ability, we can beat anyone. We have put a lot of focus on ourselves and we will see where it gets us. But we are certainly here to lift the trophy.”

Markram, who recently played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, said they will need to assess the conditions and hit the ground running against the Island nation at New York.

“On the day we will have to assess really quickly and then adapt plans that will help us do well. It is an exciting day; we didn’t think we would ever be playing a World Cup game in New York. It’s a beautiful training facility and we will get a first look at the stadium and the pitch later to assess things,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa recently suffered a 3-0 loss against the West Indies. The Proteas will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Monday.