Sunrisers Eastern Cape surged into the playoff positions with a dominant bonus-point victory over Durban’s Super Giants at St George’s Park on Sunday. Captain Aiden Markram reflected on the team’s resurgence after a challenging start to their campaign, attributing their recent success to disciplined execution and a return to basics.
“Yeah, very happy to lose [the toss], to be honest,” Markram admitted during the post-match press conference. “We would have batted as well, but the boys bowled really well. We didn’t expect as much bounce, but it made a big impact. Very fortunate to have lost that toss and got first crack at it with the ball.”
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Markram highlighted the team’s bolstered confidence, particularly in the bowling department. “Our bowlers have been really good throughout the competition. Early on, we identified areas to improve, and they’ve nailed that. It helps the batters, knowing they don’t have as much to chase, and one good partnership or powerplay can set you up from there.”
The captain also credited the team’s strong starts in recent games as a key difference-maker. “With the bat, we’ve been getting off to much better starts, and with the ball, we’ve been getting early wickets. It’s about getting in front of the game early, whether batting or bowling. In T20 cricket, if you’re behind, it usually takes something extraordinary to turn things around. The focus has been on doing the basics really well.”
On their ability to take four wickets in the powerplay, Markram praised the bowlers’ execution. “Execution is everything. They nailed what they needed to do, bowled the right lengths, and reaped the rewards. It’s tough to play when the ball is nipping around like that.”
Reflecting on the early struggles of the two-time defending champions, Markram applauded the team’s resilience. “Credit to the group for staying bubbly and enjoying the competition despite the tough start. The key was avoiding desperation and focusing on what we do well. Once we’re in the game, we fight hard and scrap for results.”
Markram also addressed his personal form, acknowledging the challenges of a demanding schedule. “Games come quickly, and you just have to crack on. From a pride point of view, it does affect you, but you use it to fire yourself up and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
The captain emphasised the importance of momentum in their back-to-back bonus-point wins. “When you have momentum and are playing good cricket, things go your way. During tough periods, the opposite happens. It’s just the way the game works, but those little moments build belief.”
Markram ended by praising the home crowd at St George’s Park. “They’re unbelievable. Even chatting with Kane Williamson after the game, he said he’s never experienced a vibe like that. It’s loud, unique, and truly the Orange Army way. The support, especially after our slow start, is special and motivates us to push harder.”
With back-to-back victories and newfound confidence, Sunrisers Eastern Cape appear poised to make a strong push for another championship in the SA20 League.
