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South Africa opener Aiden Markram was on an emotional rollercoaster during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against Australia. After getting out for a duck in the first innings, Markram stood up to the task and led South Africa's run chase with a record-breaking 136-run at the Lord's. After the five-wicket win to end South Africa's ICC title drought and get rid of the 'chokers' tag, Markram opened up about how hopeless he felt after getting out in the T20 World Cup 2024 run chase against India in Barbados.
"I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night and how hopeless I felt sitting on the side after getting out. I was like, I don't want to sit there again. So, this gave me a bit of motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease, if I could. But never once thought about the achievements and what would come with it. It was always about just trying to get the job done and trying to win," Markram said in the post-match press conference as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Markram was dismissed for just four runs by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. But, almost a year later, Markram scored 136 runs. He became the fourth batter in Test cricket's history to score a century in a successful run chase at the Lord's.
Sleeping pill didn't work on Markram
South Africa's white-ball captain Markram admitted that he got emotional after getting to the century. The feeling of getting close to the title was overwhelming for him. Later, he could not switch off and even a sleeping tablet could not do its job.
"Yeah, it was weird last night. I was pretty emotional. From about quarter past five, the game had slowed down. I had a bit of time to look around and see all the fans, the family, all the mates that were there … I was looking at the changing room. I was like, 'Yes, we are now getting close', and it caught me off guard. Then the hundred happened, and a couple of tears leaked out that I was trying to fight," he said.
"I tried to take a sleeping tablet, it didn't work. The mind just couldn't switch off. But fortunately, today wasn't ever going to be a full day, so I knew it would be fine," the 30-year-old added.
Markram on not scoring winning runs
Markram took South Africa to the doorstep of victory. He got out to Josh Hazlewood on the last ball of first over after new ball was taken. However, the applaud he got at Lord's long room gave him happy memories.
"I wish I could have. But that's me being me when I get out. I'm always angry. At least looking at the building in front was pretty special. And then, naturally, the walk up [the stairs] was incredibly special. So at least there's one or two memories from that," he said.
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