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Heartbreak For Aiden Markram As He Falls Short Of A Memorable Century Vs Pakistan

Jatin

Aiden Markram fell short of a stunning hundred [Source: @ShamimSports, @ukazmi11/x.com]Aiden Markram fell short of a stunning hundred [Source: @ShamimSports, @ukazmi11/x.com]

South African opener Aiden Markram came agonizingly close to a well-deserved century in the first Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The stylish batter fell for 89 off 144 balls on Friday, leaving fans heartbroken but in awe of his gutsy knock.

Aiden Markram Missed Out on A Ton But Stood Tall For South Africa

Walking out to open the innings, Aiden Markram looked like a man on a mission. While chaos unfolded at the other end, he stood tall, playing some eye-catching strokes that kept the scoreboard ticking. His partner Tony de Zorzi didn’t last long, falling for just 2, and the middle order followed suit. Ryan Rickelton managed 8, and Tristan Stubbs scraped together 9.

It felt like Markram was holding the fort single-handedly as Pakistan’s bowlers kept chipping away. Then came a crucial 70-run stand with skipper Temba Bavuma, who added a composed 31 before losing his wicket.

Just as things looked to be settling down, Pakistan struck again. David Bedingham tried to help steady the ship with a handy 30, adding 42 runs with Markram, but he too fell. With wickets falling like dominoes, South Africa found themselves teetering at 191/7.

Markram, ever the fighter, kept going. He played 15 glorious fours in his knock, driving through the covers and pulling anything short with authority. It felt like he was destined for a ton.

However, while trying to pull a short delivery from Khurram Shahzad, Markram gloved the ball to Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps. And just like that, his innings came to an end at 89, leaving him 11 runs shy of a memorable hundred.

SA vs PAK 1st Test Highlights So Far

At the time of writing, South Africa have edged past Pakistan’s first-innings total of 211 and are at 217/8 after 57 overs. Corbin Bosch and Kagiso Rabada are at the crease, trying to stretch the lead and give the Proteas something to bowl at.

Markram might have missed out on the milestone, but his innings was pure class. It was a knock that gave South Africa hope in a tricky situation, and though he didn’t get the three figures, he earned the applause of cricket fans everywhere.