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Markram Hails Allen-Seifert Blitz After South Africa's T20 WC Semi-Final Exit

South Africa captain Aiden Markram credited New Zealand's explosive opening partnership for their decisive nine-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup semi-final. He specifically highlighted Finn Allen's record-breaking century and Tim Seifert's aggressive half-century for taking the game away early. Despite posting a competitive 169/8, Markram admitted his team may have needed a bigger total on a good batting wicket. The loss ended South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament as New Zealand advanced to the final.

Key Points: South Africa's T20 WC Exit: Markram Credits NZ's Allen & Seifert

  • NZ chased 170 in 12.5 overs
  • Finn Allen scored a record 100*
  • Tim Seifert hit a rapid 58
  • SA's unbeaten tournament run ended
2 min read

T20 WC: South Africa captain Aiden Markram Hails Allen-Seifert blitz after semi-final exit

South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised Finn Allen's century and Tim Seifert's knock after New Zealand's dominant 9-wicket semi-final win in the T20 World Cup.

"Massive credit to Finn Allen's knock and Seifert's knock to kill the game off as early as they did. - Aiden Markram"

Kolkata, March 4

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram credited New Zealand's explosive opening pair for taking the game away from his side in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final, admitting that a special innings from Finn Allen left the Proteas with little room to recover.

Speaking during the post-match presentation after South Africa's nine-wicket defeat at Eden Gardens, Markram acknowledged that while his bowlers started well, New Zealand's aggressive powerplay batting proved decisive.

"I think you look at the conditions, and they bowled really well up front. Credit to their bowling unit. And obviously, when someone plays an innings like that, you don't often come out on the right side of that. To get to 170 was a great effort to be fair. As it goes in T20 cricket, they got off to a flyer in the power play. Massive credit to Finn Allen's knock and Seifert's knock to kill the game off as early as they did," Markram said.

South Africa had posted a competitive 169/8 after recovering from early setbacks, with the captain believing his side had given themselves a fighting total. However, Allen's record-breaking century and Tim Seifert's aggressive half-century dismantled the target inside 13 overs.

Reflecting on the surface, Markram said the wicket appeared good for batting and hinted that his team may have needed an even bigger total to challenge New Zealand's in-form top order.

"I think we expected the wicket to play really well, looked really good to the eye. Maybe we had to try and scrape our way to 190 and we'd be in the game. Obviously disappointed in the result but really proud of these guys. Played so well in this tournament," he added.

Despite the heartbreak of falling short in the knockout stage, the South African captain struck a defiant tone about the team's future.

"I think we'll let the emotions settle first and foremost and then have a discussion as a group. You get back on the horse and come back. Hugely disappointed. We'll have to come out stronger and be better as a team," Markram said.

The loss ended South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament, while New Zealand advanced to the final with a commanding performance.

Brief Scores: SA: 169/8 (Marco Jansen 55*, Tristan Stubbs 29, Rachin Ravindra 2/29) lost to NZ: 173/1 in 12.5 overs (Finn Allen 100*, Tim Seifert 58, Kagiso Rabada 1/28).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Markram is being very gracious in defeat. It's true, when an opener gets going like that in the powerplay, the game is almost over. But I feel SA's batting in the middle overs was too slow. They needed a few more big shots to get to 190.
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Vikram M
Eden Gardens pitch was a belter! 170 was never going to be enough. Proteas missed a trick by not sending a pinch-hitter up the order when Jansen was going well. New Zealand were clinical. Now, hoping for a great final!
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan watching from the US, that was some of the most explosive batting I've ever seen. Allen's century was pure entertainment. Respect to Markram for his honest assessment. South Africa will bounce back.
A
Aman W
The "C" word strikes again for South Africa? 😅 Jokes aside, they played brilliant cricket throughout. Sometimes you just run into a player in god-mode. Allen was unstoppable. Better luck next time, boys.
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Kriti O
While Allen deserves all the praise, let's not forget Tim Seifert's role. He kept the strike rotating and punished the bad balls. That partnership was a masterclass in chasing. Feel for Markram, he led the team well.

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