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Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain Aiden Markram showcased his jaw-dropping fielding prowess with an outrageous one-handed catch during the SA20 2024 Qualifier 1 match against the Durban Super Giants at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on February 6. The piece of athletic brilliance transpired when JJ Smuts attempted a shot off Ottniel Baartman's delivery, only for Markram to execute a stunning aerial dive to his left and secure the ball with one hand, leaving spectators in awe of his agility.
Watch Aiden Markram's catch here:
Social went into overdrive after Markram produced a moment of magic. Several fans hailed Markram's catch as the greatest catch ever in the SA20 competition while others compared the South Africa star to a bird and an aeroplane.
This moment was a highlight in what turned out to be a memorable evening for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, as they triumphed over the Durban Super Giants by 51 runs in Qualifier 1, advancing further in the tournament.
Ottniel Baartman and Marco Jansen star with the ball
The Sunrisers' victory was propelled by the combined efforts of seamers Ottniel Baartman and Marco Jansen, guiding the team to their second consecutive Betway SA20 final with a 51-run win. Their all-around superiority was on full display as they prepared for the grand final in Cape Town.
Despite facing an initial setback with the loss of their opener, Dawid Malan's half-century (63 runs off 45 balls) laid the groundwork for the Sunrisersโ total of 157/8, despite a rain delay. Markram himself added 30 runs, but his departure triggered a collapse, with the team losing multiple wickets rapidly.
However, the Sunrisers' bowling attack, particularly Jansen and Baartman, turned the game around. Jansen's early wicket of Tony de Zorzi set the tone, while Baartman's double-wicket maiden over was crucial, catapulting him to the top of the wicket-takers leaderboard for the series.
Liam Dawson's crucial contribution
Liam Dawson also played a pivotal role, taking crucial wickets including that of de Kock and top-scorer Wiaan Mulder. Despite Heinrich Klaasen's efforts to rally the Super Giants, Baartman's dismissal of Klaasen marked the effective end of their resistance, with Jansen cleaning up the tail to secure the Sunrisers' spot in the final.
The Durban Super Giants, now facing elimination, are set to compete in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Paarl Royals vs Joburg Super Kings match, for another chance to reach the final.
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