Quinton de Kock Aiden Markram Reeza Hendricks

South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks (R) looks on as South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (L) celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the second T20 international cricket match between South Africa and West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on March 26, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

Aiden Markram lauds Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks

Aiden Markram said that Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks gave the team belief they could complete a world record chase.

Quinton de Kock Aiden Markram Reeza Hendricks

South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks (R) looks on as South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (L) celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the second T20 international cricket match between South Africa and West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on March 26, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

Proteas skipper Aiden Markram said that Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks gave the team belief they could complete a world record chase in the second T20I against the West Indies.

The tourists might have been forgiven for thinking they had the series wrapped up on the back of a brilliant Johnson Charles hundred, the fastest for the West Indies.

Aiden Markram lauds openers

Markram felt that the 152-run opening stand lifted the team.

At the post-match presentation, Markram said: “That was a great game to be a part of all in all. I think both teams can appreciate it. We witnessed two really good knocks today and I hope its remembered for their sake. We knew we were a little bit off the boil with the ball and the margin for error is tiny and it showed again today.”

Proteas in good spirits

Markram insisted that the Proteas were in good spirits at the turn of the innings.

“Sometimes you just have to laugh it off,” he said. 

“We still have a great bowling unit. To be honest it was a bit more vibey than I expected. Some of the guys said they were 15 short. 

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“The guys always believed that if a couple guys get in like Quinny and Reeza did, it was gonna come down close to the end so I think a lot of the credit has to go to the two of them getting us off to such a great start and making the rest of the chase a bit more comfortable.”

Aiden Markram gives Reeza Hendricks his flowers

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Makram reserved special praise for the under-rated contributions of Reeza Hendricks.

He does it his own way. We talk about playing an attacking brand of cricket, but he also showed that doesn’t mean that you have to slog. Reeza once again proved today the type of player he is. He’s all class and times the ball beautifully.”

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Series decider

Proteas
South Africa’s Aiden Markram plays a shot during the second T20 international cricket match between South Africa and West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on March 26, 2023. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

The Proteas T20 skipper is delighted to take the series to a decider. 

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“It’s great to be able to take a series down to the last game,” he added 

“Building up to World Cups and things like that, you want to play in must-win games so it’ll be exciting come Tuesday night.”

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