The final of the T20 World Cup 2024 will be played between South Africa and India on Saturday, June 29 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. South Africa secured their place in the final by defeating Afghanistan, while India defeated England in the second semi-final. Team India could be in deep trouble in the final as Aiden Markram holds a unique record in the ICC World Cups.
In the history of the T20 World Cup, it will be the first time that the final will be played between teams who have won two consecutive matches. South Africa has won eight consecutive matches in this tournament so far, while India has won seven consecutive matches. One match for India was canceled due to rain. When these two teams face each other on the pitch in Barbados, we might witness an exciting contest.
What is the Record Held by Aiden Markram that could Trouble India in the T20 World Cup 2024 Final?
Aiden Markram has led South Africa exceptionally in the T20 World Cup 2024, taking over from Temba Bavuma. Under his captaincy, the team remains undefeated, winning all 8 matches from the group stages through to the semi-finals, including victories over strong teams like England and Afghanistan. This success marks a significant achievement for South Africa, historically challenged in knockout stages, as they prepare to face India in the World Cup Final on June 29, 2024.
Aiden Markram’s record as captain in ICC World Cups
The excitement of T20 World Cup 2024 is now in its final stage. The Super 8 round matches in the tournament are now over and a total of 4 teams have been decided for the semi-finals. Now the first semi-final match of T20 World Cup 2024 will be played between Afghanistan and South Africa on 27 June at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. This match will start at 6:00 am Indian time. So far this T20 World Cup has been no less than a dream for both the teams. Whichever team wins in the semi-final 1 match, history is sure to be made.
South Africa
Under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, South Africa has not lost a single match in T20 World Cup 2024. The team won all 7 matches consecutively and made it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the third time. On the other hand, the Afghanistan team led by Rashid Khan defeated a strong team like New Zealand in the group stage and confirmed the Super-8 ticket. After this, in the Super-8 round, Afghanistan defeated Australia and Bangladesh to qualify for the semi-finals. Now the Afghanistan team will play the semi-final of the T20 World Cup for the first time.
Afghanistan
South Africa and Afghanistan have faced each other twice in the T20 World Cup so far. Both times South Africa has won. The last time the two teams clashed was in the T20 World Cup 2016. Then the African team won by 37 runs. Now after 8 years, the two teams will clash in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. Whichever of the two teams wins the semi-finals will reach the final for the first time and create history.
Pat Cummins has been named the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2024, taking over from Aiden Markram, who led the team in the 2023 season. Pat Cummins was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.5 crore at the auction in December.
Cummins has not previously captained any team in the IPL, nor has he led a team in T20 cricket. However, his appointment follows a successful period as captain of Australia, leading them to victory in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Now talking about the deputy of Pat Cummins, the Hyderabad-based franchise is planning to give the vice-captaincy of SRH to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and not the SA20 winning captain Aiden Markram as per reports.
Last year, Aiden Markram captained Sunrisers Hyderabad, but the franchise struggled and finished at the bottom of the points table with just four wins. However, he has shown leadership skills in the SA20 league in South Africa, where he led Sunrisers Eastern Cape to consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024.
On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a veteran player who has been with the franchise for a long time. Perhaps the management intends to reward him for his consistency and outstanding performances by naming him as the vice-captain.
In addition to the captaincy change, SRH has also appointed a new head coach for the 2024 IPL season, with former New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori taking over from Brian Lara, who had replaced Tom Moody as coach for IPL 2023.
SRH has also replaced Dale Steyn with former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin as their bowling coach. SRH will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on March 23, followed by a match against Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad on March 27.
The highly anticipated SA20 2024 is set to kick off on January 10 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. As fans gear up for another thrilling season, the focus will undoubtedly be on the batters who have the potential to reshape the fate of their respective teams. Here’s a look at the top five batters to watch out for in the upcoming SA20 2024.
Jos Buttler dominated the batting charts in the inaugural edition of SA20, finishing as the top run-scorer with 391 runs in 11 innings. Despite his individual brilliance, the Royals fell short of winning the championship. Buttler’s aggressive style and ability to play match-winning innings make him a player to watch. He will be eager to not only top the run charts again but also guide the Royals to victory.
2. Aiden Markram, Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Aiden Markram, the skipper of Sunrisers Eastern Cape, showcased his batting prowess in the inaugural SA20 tournament, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 366 runs in 12 innings. Markram’s ability to lead from the front and his recent Test century against India underline his good form. Fans can expect him to continue his impactful performances in SA20 2024.
3. Rilee Rossouw, Pretoria Capitals
Hard-hitting left-hander Rilee Rossouw had a modest performance in SA20 2023, scoring 202 runs in 12 innings. Retained by Pretoria Capitals for SA20 2024, Rossouw will be determined to make amends. With the support of teammates like Theunis de Bruyn, Paul Stirling, Colin Ingram, and James Neesham, he will look to play a crucial role in bolstering the Capitals’ batting department.
4. Dewald Brevis, MI Cape Town
Known as ‘Baby AB,’ Dewald Brevis aims to shine for MI Cape Town in SA20 2024. Despite being left out of South Africa’s T20I squad recently, Brevis is a talented batter. In SA20 2023, he scored 235 runs in 10 innings, showcasing his potential. Cricket enthusiasts will be keen to witness his performances and see if he can elevate his game further this season.
5. Faf du Plessis, Joburg Super Kings
Joburg Super Kings’ captain, Faf du Plessis, played a pivotal role in his team’s journey to the semifinals in the previous season, amassing 369 runs in just 10 innings. Although not actively involved in international cricket, Faf has been a consistent performer in various T20 leagues worldwide. His experience and stylish batting make him a key player to watch whenever the Super Kings take the field.
In the IPL 2024 Auction, the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023-winning captain and prominent fast-bowling all-rounder, Pat Cummins, became the focal point of a heated bidding war. Ultimately, Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged victorious, acquiring his services for a noteworthy sum of Rs 20.5 crore, significantly exceeding his base price of Rs 2 crore.
The spirited bidding war showcased the keen interest of multiple franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings, underscoring the widespread demand for Cummins’ leadership prowess, both on and off the field.
The substantial investment in Cummins goes beyond his recent form and success; it reflects the increasing demand for robust leadership roles within teams. Cummins, besides his on-field prowess, brings valuable leadership qualities, making him a highly sought-after player in the IPL auction.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s significant expenditure highlights the recognition of the importance of securing a player who not only possesses exceptional cricketing skills but also contributes strong leadership attributes to enhance the overall dynamics of the team.
In summary, the substantial auction price of 20.5 crores for Pat Cummins prompts serious concerns, particularly considering his past IPL performances and a relatively modest track record in the T20 format. The data underscores the need for a deeper investigation into Cummins’ overall impact in T20 cricket, given the significant financial commitment made by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite Cummins’ wealth of experience and recent success as an international captain, the distinctive context of the IPL demands a critical examination of his performance metrics in this format.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricketing extravaganza; it’s a stage where leadership, strategy, and talent converge. As the cricketing world gears up for the IPL 2024 season, a reshuffle in leadership has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. In this article, we delve into the captaincy lineup for all 10 IPL teams, exploring the changes and the challenges that lie ahead.
A stalwart of the game, M.S. Dhoni will continue to lead the Chennai Super Kings, a team he has guided to five IPL titles. Known for his calm demeanor and astute captaincy, Dhoni remains a pivotal figure for CSK.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hardik Pandya
In a surprising move, the Mumbai Indians bid farewell to the Rohit Sharma era, announcing Hardik Pandya as the new captain. Pandya, a dynamic all-rounder, will be entrusted with leading one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – Faf du Plessis
With Virat Kohli stepping down from RCB’s captaincy after IPL 2022, the baton has been passed to Faf du Plessis. The experienced South African cricketer will bring his leadership skills to a team aiming for its maiden IPL title.
4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the captain of the newly formed Gujarat Titans. The young Indian batsman, known for his elegance at the crease, will lead GT in their quest for IPL glory.
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – KL Rahul
KL Rahul, the stylish and prolific batsman, will lead Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024. Rahul’s consistent run-scoring and captaincy stints in various T20 leagues make him a natural choice to spearhead LSG’s campaign in the upcoming season.
6. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Not Announced Yet
The captaincy for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 is yet to be announced. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the revelation of the leader who will guide DC through the challenges of the tournament.
7. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, known for his aggressive yet calculated batting, will continue to captain the Kolkata Knight Riders. Iyer’s leadership skills were on display in the last to last seasons, and KKR will look to build on that foundation.
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram, the South African all-rounder, has been entrusted with the leadership role for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Markram’s capabilities with both bat and ball make him a key figure in SRH’s plans.
9. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, a seasoned campaigner and an explosive opener, will lead the Punjab Kings. Dhawan’s experience at the international level brings a wealth of knowledge to the captaincy.
10. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson will continue to lead the Rajasthan Royals, aiming to bring success to a team that has showcased a penchant for nurturing young talent. Samson’s aggressive captaincy style adds flair to RR’s approach.
South Africa is gearing up to host India for a thrilling cricketing series, comprising three T20Is, as many ODIs, and two Tests. As anticipation builds for this clash of cricketing giants, South Africa has announced its squads across all formats. Notably, Aiden Markram will step in as the captain for the white-ball series, taking over from Temba Bavuma, who has been rested.
White-Ball Series
In a strategic move, Captain Temba Bavuma and the explosive fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada have been given a well-deserved break during the white-ball series against India. Both players will return to action during the Test series, which commences on December 26. In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram, who previously led the Proteas during the World Cup due to Bavuma’s illness, will captain the ODI and T20I teams against India.
Excitingly, the squad for the white-ball series includes some fresh faces. Fast-bowling allrounder Nadre Burger has earned his maiden call-up and will feature in all three formats. Joining him are Mihlali Mpongwana and David Bedingham, who have received their maiden ODI and Test call-ups, respectively. Tristan Stubbs has been included in the Test squad, and Kyle Verreynne has been recalled for both the ODI and Test series.
South Africa T20I Squad against India
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee (1st and 2nd T20Is), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen (1st and 2nd T20Is), Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi (1st and 2nd T20Is), Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa ODI Squad against India
Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
The Test squad sees the return of Bavuma to the captaincy, and it includes a mix of experience and promising talent. Notably, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne find their place in the Test squad, showcasing the selectors’ confidence in the young guns.
South Africa Test squad against India
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.
Player Availability and Injury Updates
Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi will play in the first two T20Is against India before being rested for the Test series. This strategic decision aims to manage their workload effectively. The trio will also participate in the First-Class fixtures from December 14 to 17 after the T20Is.
Unfortunately, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell are yet to recover from injuries, leading to their exclusion from all three squads. Their absence will be felt, but South Africa remains optimistic about the strength and depth of the squads they have announced.
India vs South Africa Schedule
The series kicks off with the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban, on December 10, followed by the second T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on December 12. The teams will then travel to New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, for the third T20I on December 14.
The ODI series will commence on December 17 at New Wanderers Stadium, followed by the second ODI at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, on December 19, and the third ODI at Boland Park, Paarl, on December 21.
The Test series will round off the tour, with the first Test scheduled at SuperSport Park, Centurion, from December 26 to December 30. The second Test will take place at Newlands, Cape Town, from January 3 to January 7.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting this clash between two cricketing powerhouses. The series promises to deliver intense and memorable moments as both teams vie for supremacy in each format.
Aiden Markram, the accomplished South African batsman who also serves as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), marked a joyous occasion as he celebrated his marriage to his longtime girlfriend, Nicole, on Saturday, July 22, 2023. This love story had been unfolding for over a decade before the couple decided to make their commitment official and begin this exciting new chapter together. The delightful news of their wedding was joyfully confirmed by Nicole on her Instagram account, where she shared an endearing photograph of the newlyweds sharing a kiss, accompanied by the caption “Mr & Mrs.”
Born on April 9, 1995, as Nicole Danielle O’Connor, Nicole currently stands at the age of 28. Her educational journey led her to England for her early schooling before she completed her high school studies in South Africa. Later, she pursued her graduation from the University of South Africa. With an active presence on social media, Nicole has amassed approximately 17.3 thousand followers on her Instagram account, where she frequently shares cherished moments with her husband, Aiden Markram.
Beyond her connection to the cricketing world through her marriage to Aiden Markram, Nicole is a thriving entrepreneur, the proud owner of ‘Nadora Jewellery.’ Her business offers a splendid range of curated jewelry and products, including exquisite 925 sterling silver, gold-plated earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more.
Nicole’s interests extend beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, as she is also involved in running a bakery, showcasing her diverse talents and passions. Furthermore, she actively participates in charitable endeavors through her association with the organization Abba House, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact within the community.
Nicole Markam loves dog and is a dog mom. She is also an avid lover of wine.
Markram was selected in South Africa’s Test squad for their series against England in June 2017, although he didn’t feature in any matches during that series. In August 2017, he was appointed as the captain of the South Africa A cricket team for their two four-day matches against India A.
Subsequently, in September 2017, Markram’s name appeared once again in South Africa’s Test squad, this time for their series against Bangladesh. On September 28, 2017, he marked his Test debut for South Africa in a match against Bangladesh.
Markram came tantalizingly close to achieving a maiden Test century on his debut but fell short. However, he accomplished this milestone in the second Test against Bangladesh on October 6, 2017, scoring a remarkable 143 runs from 186 balls before being dismissed by Rubel Hossain.
In the same month, October 2017, Markram was included in South Africa’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the third match against Bangladesh, stepping in for Hashim Amla. He made his ODI debut for South Africa on October 22, 2017, making an impactful contribution with both bat and ball, scoring 66 runs and capturing 2 wickets.
Fast forward to December 2017, Markram achieved his second Test century, making history as the first South African player to score two centuries in his initial three Test matches.
Aiden Markram and his wife Nicole are yet to have a child together. They have chosen to be together till now without trying for a child. Nicole and Aiden Markram both are focused on their respective careers right now.
Aiden Kyle Markram, widely recognized as Aiden Markram, entered the world on October 4, 1994, in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa. This right-handed South African batsman is a versatile player who competes in all formats of cricket for the national team. Over the past few years, Markram has emerged as a vital member of the South African cricket squad, earning a reputation as one of the nation’s most promising young batters and a beacon for the future of South African cricket.
Markram is often entrusted with the role of an opening batter, although he possesses the flexibility to perform effectively in the middle order as well. Additionally, he showcases his skills as a right-arm off-break bowler, proving capable of containing batters in the middle overs and even making breakthroughs. Notably, Markram is versatile enough to contribute with the ball during the powerplay.
In the high-stakes TATA IPL 2022 mega auction, Aiden Markram secured a contract with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, commanding a price tag of 2.60 crores.
Aiden Markram, born in 1994, is the son of Kyle Markram and Gina Markram. He has a sister named Paige Markram. In 2021, Aiden Markram tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Nicole O’Connor.
Aiden’s cricket journey commenced at the tender age of 5, initially as a bowler. However, upon witnessing his batting prowess, his parents encouraged him to focus on honing his skills as a batter. He received his education at Pretoria Boys High School in Pretoria, where he actively participated in numerous matches as a key member of the school team.
Remarkably, he assumed the role of captain at a very young age, showcasing his leadership qualities. Aiden Markram has consistently displayed a calm and composed demeanor on the field, earning a reputation as a player with a deep understanding of the game and a meticulous execution of strategies.
The Proteas remain a puzzle within the cricketing realm. Whenever a global event emerges, they find themselves among the favored contenders for the coveted title. Yet, more often than not, their journey concludes in heartbreak. This saga traces back to the 1992 World Cup, and since then, several formidable South African squads have faltered on the grand stage.
Throughout the years, they’ve been saddled with the moniker of ‘Chokers,’ a label that has cast a shadow over their performances in multi-nation tournaments. However, a distinct air surrounds the current South African team. In this instance, fewer individuals are touting them as semifinalists, a circumstance that might work in their favor by alleviating the burden of performance expectations.
South Africa’s Probable Squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023
Batters: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks
South Africa have quality batters in their line-up but some of them are underrated at the international level. Temba Bavuma will lead the side and he will open for the Proteas along with charismatic Quinton de Kock.
At number 3, Rassie van der Dussen has exhibited prolific form, maintaining an impressive ODI average of 60.58. Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will follow, each possessing the potential to dismantle any bowling attack worldwide. Reeza Hendricks joins as a backup opener.
All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wayne Parnell, George Linde
Renowned for nurturing exceptional all-rounders, South Africa could field two seam-bowling all-rounders, complemented by spin-bowling prowess from George Linde. The versatile abilities of Marco Jansen and Wayne Parnell, impacting both with bat and ball, are key assets. George Linde’s adaptability to Indian conditions, known for favoring spin, adds depth. While Andile Phehlukwayo remains an option, Keshav Maharaj’s absence prompts the necessity for a spinner in Indian conditions.
South Africa has a history of producing world-class pacers, and the current setup maintains the tradition. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje spearhead the pace attack, armed with pace and exceptional skills. Lungi Ngidi and Sisanda Magala contribute with their prowess, solidifying the Proteas’ formidable fast bowling. Although Keshav Maharaj’s injury thins the spin-bowling ranks, Tabraiz Shamsi stands as a genuine wicket-taking spinner, capable of turning matches in his team’s favor.
