‘Big wicket for us’: Aiden Markram highlights threat of Abhishek Sharma | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Ahead of South Africa’s first T20I against India, skipper Aiden Markram acknowledged that dismissing opener Abhishek Sharma early will be crucial, calling him a “match-winner” when he fires.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The opening T20I will be played in Cuttack on Tuesday. After a 0-2 Test defeat at home and a thrilling ODI series that India clinched 2-1 under Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s influence, attention now shifts to India’s young lineup. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side, India will look to maintain their strong momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next year.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Markram said, “I have played with Abhishek at Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is a great guy and has been batting really well. So no doubt, a big wicket for us. Whoever takes the new ball for us, it is a challenge for him to hopefully get it, because he (Abhishek) is a match-winner when he comes off.”Abhishek has enjoyed a superb year in international cricket, scoring 756 runs in 17 matches at an average of 47.25, including a century and five half-centuries, with a top score of 135.Markram also welcomed the return of pacer Anrich Nortje, who is back in the squad for the first time following injury setbacks after the T20 World Cup 2024 final against India.“I mean, first, it is great to have him back. He has been a big player for us in the previous World Cup,” Markram said.“And whenever a bowler can bowl as quickly as he can bowl, he is fit and excited and ready to play. It is always a boost to any team. So, it’s great to have him back in the part,” he added.Nortje has taken 53 wickets in 42 T20Is for South Africa at an average of 19.16, including three four-wicket hauls and best figures of 4/7.Squads:South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram(c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Ottneil Baartman, Donovan Ferreira, Kwena Maphaka, George LindeIndia: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma(w), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.
