South Africa's T20I team is set to be back in action for the first time since their heartbreaking loss to India in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Despite being in the driver’s seat for the most of the match, South Africa were ultimately outclassed by India bowlers, who remained composed in the last five overs and clinched the . As they prepare for their first T20I against West Indies on August 23, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram has opened up about how he coped with the defeat against India.
Chasing a target of 177, South Africa appeared to be in control at 151-4 after 16 overs after Heinrich Klaasen smoked Axar Patel for 24 runs in the 15th over. However, they lost wickets right after the 15th over and faltered under pressure and ultimately fell short. India clinched victory by seven runs.
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Should Give It As Much Time As It Needs: Aide Markram
During a press conference ahead of the T20I series against West Indies, Markram reflected on South Africa's inability to secure victory in the T20 World Cup final despite coming so close.
"I should give it as much time as it needs. It was a tough one to swallow at the time. Definitely since then till now, it's got a bit better to handle; to deal with and to process and put to bed," he said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Markram further noted that he took some time away from cricket which helped him to cope with the unfortunate outcome better. He also laid emphasis on the importance of moving on forward and being at peace with the result.
"Luckily I was able to take some time to get away from the game, get away from cricket conversations that would spark the discussion once again. It was nice to get away from that and to reset. Each individual processes it pretty much to themselves. Probably the most important thing is making sure you're at peace with how it all ended. So that you can move on and move forward," Markram added further.