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"As Good As Any Of…," Ricky Ponting On Aiden Markram's Hundred vs Australia In WTC Final

Aashay Chopade

Aiden Markram in WTC final (Source: AP Photos)Aiden Markram in WTC final (Source: AP Photos)

Australia have a dominant record in ICC finals, and came into WTC Final as firm favourites. South Africa, though, displayed great character whenever they found themselves in trouble and managed to clinch he game by five wickets finally.

Many different players stood up for South Africa during the course of the Test match. However, it was Aiden Markram's century under pressure in the final innings that made a big difference. The history was against South Africa as they are known to choke under pressure, but Markram's innings provided solidity and calmness and they managed to clinch an ICC trophy after 27 years.

Ricky Ponting Applauds Aiden Markram For Delivering Under Pressure

The knock has been praised all over the cricketing world, and now Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, has also shared his views while speaking to ICC digital. Ponting stated that it is the final that one remembers about the ICC tournaments. He mentioned Travis Head's centuries in the 2023 World Cup and WTC Final as two of the finest knocks, and kept Markram's hundred on par with those innings.

“When you look back through big ICC events, I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is World Cup finals. And then probably Travis Head's innings (137) in the World Cup final, and then the last World Test Championship final (163). And this one's got to be absolutely as good as any of those, considering the stage, considering where South African cricket's been over the last couple of years, particularly their Test side.”

Ponting also applauded Markram for standing up in a difficult situation for his team. He added that considering South Africa's struggle on the big stage, Markram's knock will go a long way in building his reputation as a world-class cricketer.

“To be able to stand up and perform like that when your team needs you the most is what reputations are made of. I think everyone's always known how good a player Aiden Markram was,” Ponting added.

Aiden Markram has a knack for delivering under pressure and has been a successful captain as well. South Africa won the U19 World Cup in his leadership in 2014, and the Proteas also made it to the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 under his captaincy. He has led the Test team as well and is expected to take the cricket in his country to even greater heights in future.