Kevin Pietersen was shocked by Aiden Markram’s knock in the fourth innings of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which facilitated South Africa’s five-wicket victory at London’s Lord’s Cricket Ground on Saturday, June 14. South Africa’s 27-year drought for an ICC title came to an end with this triumph.
Aiden Markram played an innings of a lifetime after being out for a duck in the first innings, but he didn’t let it get to him. He hit 14 fours in his 136-run knock off 207 balls. The hit was crucial in preparing South Africa for the 282-run total they had to reach in the last final session.
Pietersen claimed that although Markram’s century was not the most entertaining or aggressive by a South African batsman, it was the most significant in the history of the Rainbow Nation’s cricketing history because of the pressure he faced after failing to score in the first innings.
“Probably the best innings any South African batter has ever played in Test match cricket. It might not go down as the most attacking or entertaining if you look back at South Africa’s Test history.”
Kevin Pietersen
“But when you factor in the expectation, the stage, and the pressure after failing in the first innings, it was extraordinary. Whether you’re a batter or a bowler, when your country is counting on you and you have to deliver — that pressure is immense.”
Kevin Pietersen
It’s hard to even describe the kind of pressure he was under: Kevin Pietersen
Pietersen struggled to comprehend the level of strain Markram would have been under, particularly after losing his opening partner Ryan Rickelton in the third over of the run chase.
“He lost (Ryan) Rickelton early, yet still went on to produce something truly magnificent. It’s hard to even describe the kind of pressure he was under.”
Kevin Pietersen
Aside from Markram, South African skipper Temba Bavuma scored an impressive 66 runs despite a hamstring ailment. With contributions from David Bedingham, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen, South Africa overcame the reigning champs.
