Having seen Abhishek up close at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Markram did not hide the respect he has for the 25-year-old left-hander. South Africa, runners-up at last year’s T20 World Cup, have since slipped in bilaterals, losing to West Indies, India, Australia and Pakistan
SA captain Aiden Markram in Cuttack on Monday; (right) Abhishek Sharma (left) with pacer Jasprit Bumrah during India’s practice session on Monday. Pics/PTI
South Africa T20I captain Aiden Markram put a premium on Abhishek Sharma’s wicket, saying the new-age Indian opener embodies fearless, and the ultra-aggressive style of play that has reshaped the format.
Having seen Abhishek up close at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Markram did not hide the respect he has for the 25-year-old left-hander. “I’ve played with Abhi before at Sunrisers, a great guy and bats really well, so no doubt it’s a big wicket for us,” he said on the eve of their five-match T20I series opener at the Barabati Stadium.
“Whoever takes the new ball, that’s a challenge to hopefully get him early. He is a match-winner and it’s an important wicket for us.”
South Africa, runners-up at last year’s T20 World Cup, have since slipped in bilaterals, losing to West Indies, India, Australia and Pakistan. But Markram insisted the approach won’t change. “No extra plans, I guess. It’s T20 cricket, it’s an entertaining format and that’s the brand we want to play. We want guys to free themselves up, enjoy the game, let their best skills be on show.” A big boost for South Africa is the return of Anrich Nortje, who last featured at the T20 World Cup final. Veteran left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj also returns to the white-ball fold, though the Proteas will sorely miss star batter Tony de Zorzi and young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka.
One
No. of T20I series South Africa have won since September 2022; they lost eight, while three were levelled affairs
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