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Kwena Maphaka takes the wicket of Aiden Markram (Source:JioCinema, screengrab)
Aiden Markram’s valiant 82-run knock came to a spectacular end as Kwena Maphaka dismissed the Sunrisers Eastern Cape captain in the final over, against Paarl Royals at Boland Park on January 11, 2025. Earlier in the match, Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the toss and elected to bat first. But the decision did not paid off as openers Zak Crawley and Jordan Hermann departed cheaply.
Aiden Markram played the captain's knock and anchored the innings through a tricky middle phase. His knock was the cornerstone of the Sunrisers’ recovery after they lost early wickets. His explosive half-century under pressure steadied the ship and also helped the side to put up a competitive total.
Kwena Maphaka Outfoxes Aiden Markram
However, it was his dramatic dismissal in the final over that brought an end to his brilliant knock. The incident occured in the 19th over, when Kwena Maphaka bowled a back-of-the-hand slower delivery that left Aiden Markram completely outfoxed.
The ball was fuller in length and pitched just outside off-stump, inviting Markram to go for the big shot down the ground.
However, the change of pace did the trick, and Markram misread the ball, with his bat turning in his hands. The ball looped high towards long-off, where Sam Hain, stationed near the ropes, took a superb tumbling catch to send Markram back to the pavilion.
Markram’s knock was a display of maturity and class, featuring a mix of well-timed boundaries and aggressive strokes. The right-hander made important partnership with Tristan Stubbs, that laid the foundation for the Sunrisers’ total. At the time of writing, Paarl Royals need 89 runs in 66 balls with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Joe Root at the crease.
 "Sakshi Sharma")
