The truncated version of the game has often witnessed drama – be it batsman hitting humongous sixes, bowlers accounting for key dismissals in clutch moments and fielders taking exceptional catches. All these moments not only enrich the entertainment quotient but also enhance the quality of the sport. During the ongoing SA20 2024 tournament, the cricket fraternity witnessed an epic scene, which took everyone by surprise.
Aiden Markram showcased a truckload of confidence to attempt a one-handed catch, thanks to his super split-second decision-making, which turned him into a superhero on match day. His mind-boggling catch left the fans, commentators and netizens in utter disbelief. The video clip of the same has spread like wildfire on social media channels, with scores of netizens reserving the highest respect for the Centurion-born.
Aiden Markram turns superhero to take a one-handed screamer
Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper Aiden Markram left everyone speechless when he timed his jump to perfection to grab a one-handed screamer to dismiss Durban Super Giants’ batter JJ Smuts for a duck. The incident happened during the penultimate ball of the fourth over when Ottneil Baartman bowled a short ball to the right-hander and the latter tried to use this as an opportunity to play a big shot.
𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝, 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞.. 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧. 🦸♂️#Betway #SA20 #Playoffs #SECvDSG #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/WFz4dZJvPW
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 6, 2024
As it turned out, he mistimed the ball, which travelled between mid-wicket and mid-on region. Aiden Markram seized the opportunity by jumping himself high in the air, only to take the catch in one hand. The very dismissal changed the complexion of the game as Durban Super Giants lost wickets at regular intervals, thereby losing the entire plot in the run-chase in the first qualifier at Newlands in Cape Town.
Earlier, Sunrisers Eastern Cape posted 157 for the loss of 8 wickets in their designated quota of 20 overs. Dawid Malan top-scored with 63 off 45 deliveries including six fours and a six. In reply, Durban Super Giants were bundled out for 106. Marco Jansen and Oneil Baartman performed exceptionally well as the duo took four wickets apiece.
Baartman was adjudged the Man of the Match for registering 4/10 in four overs. He also bowled a maiden over and maintained an economy of 2.50. Sunrisers Eastern Cape deservedly cruised to the finals of the competition, which is slated to be held on February 10, Saturday.