Markram reveals T20 World Cup final heartbreak crossed his mind during WTC Final: 'That gave me a bit of motivation'

Aiden Markram revealed thoughts of South Africa’s heartbreaking defeat against India in last year’s T20 World Cup final in Barbados flooded his mind ahead of Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s.

The Proteas were left needing just 27 to win from 28 balls with six wickets in hand during the T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval, only to crumble to a seven-run loss in the end and watch another ICC trophy slip out of their grasp.

And ahead of what turned out to be the final day of the WTC Final at the ‘Home of Cricket’, South Africa were in a comfortable position of 213/2, needing 69 more to win with eight wickets in hand. The Proteas, however, had a history of collapsing under pressure in knockout matches at global tournaments, meaning none of their supporters were breathing easy despite the equation.

‘I was like I don’t want to sit there again’

Markram, however, was determined to finish the job this time and guide South Africa over the line after years of heartbreaks in ICC events, and did so with a superb 136 that helped the Proteas chase down a challenging 282-run target with relative ease .

“I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night. And how helpless I felt sitting on the side after getting out and I was like I don’t want to sit there again. That gave me a bit of motivation to stay on the crease if I could,” Markram, who was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his fine century during the chase, told reporters during the post-match press conference.

“But never once thought about the achievements and what would come with it. It was always about trying to get the job done and trying to win,” he added.

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Markram also touched upon the dreaded “c-word” that has haunted South Africa since their readmission into international cricket in 1991, adding that it would come as great relief for the Proteas to not be affected by that word anymore, especially after the manner in which they won their first ICC title in 27 years.

“It will be great to not hear it (insults of choking) again, that’s for sure. In terms of motivating you, there will always be external things to motivate you.

“But that’s not your sole purpose for playing. So to have got the job done. Literally, to have got the job done and to get rid of that is a big thing for this team,” the South African T20 captain added during the presser.

Markram reveals reason behind beer-drinking act after victory

The 30-year-old also made an interesting revelation during the press conference regarding his beer-drinking act while the Proteas were performing a lap of honour around the iconic venue.

“Yeah that was cool. That was one of my mates from school. He wanted me to come over, I was like ‘flip man’ it’s too busy, it is chaos. He was like, oh ‘here’s a beer’. I was like Ok,” Markram said, eliciting chuckles from reporters. “So I’ve had my first one for the day and I’m pretty sure there will be few more.”