Aiden Markram’s marvellous century was in vain as the Proteas suffered a 95-run defeat in the 2nd Test at Rawalpindi, losing the series 2-0, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Aiden Markram was the key to the Proteas’ chances of completing a historic victory. The Proteas opener was excellent in his approach, showing his improvement since his last two trips to the subcontinent.
What was particularly pleasing about his performance was the way he played against the spin. all three of his sixes en route to his century, came off the spinners.
But what truly showed his mindset shift, was when he was on 90 – he played a magnificently-timed slog sweep for four, an incredible indication of his measured approach.
Markram’s last century was 26 innings ago, when he scored 150 against Australia in Johannesburg.
He brought up his century in 221 balls (12 x 4, 3 x 6) on the last ball of lunch. He rocked back and whipped one between midwicket and mid-on for one to bring up his 5th Test century.
A brilliant spell by Hasan Ali saw him get consecutive wickets. Both occasions due to loose shots played by the batsmen. First Aiden played away from his body, edging a wide delivery to the slips. He hit his bat in frustration, knowing that he was needed to bat deep.
Interim captain, Quinton de Kock came to the middle, and he too played at a wide delivery and edged it to the slips. The same for Temba Bavuma, who nicked to the keeper after a 125-ball 61.
George Linde lost his wicket chasing a wide delivery and guiding it to point. Keshav Maharaj also nicked one to the slips chasing a wide delivery.
Ultimately Markram’s wicket, saw the flood gates open as the Proteas capitulated. Seven wickets fell for 33 runs.
They lost the match by 95 runs.
Hasan Ali finished with 5-60 and 10 in the match Shaheen Afridi ended with 4-51.
Photo: PCB
