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'It Feels Fantastic' - Aiden Markram Reflects On His Record-Breaking Century

image-lngzzkreMarkram celebrating his first World Cup century (AP Photo)

South African batter Aiden Markram expressed his elation after smashing the fastest ODI World Cup hundred against Sri Lanka in Delhi on Saturday, October 7.

Speaking after his sensational ton, Markram acknowledged his role as a batter and highlighted the combination of positivity and smart play that has evolved over the past year. He emphasized the importance of understanding the pitch, exploring available options, and having the confidence to execute them, even if they are unconventional.


"It feels fantastic. (on his record-breaking hundred). It comes off some days, doesn't on others. That it's fantastic today. I know what's expected of me as a batter. We're marrying being positive with being smart. Great how it's coming together in the last 12 months. Initially, you want to get a feel for the wicket and find out the options you can take and then back it, regardless of the result, and trying things out that may not be in your repertoire," said Aiden Markram after smashing the fastest hundred in ODI World Cup history.

Markram entered the fray at number 4 during the 31st over and took the center stage. His innings gained momentum in the 34th over when he dispatched Dilshan Madushanka for three boundaries. He notched up his half-century from just 33 deliveries by the 42nd over.

Following his fifty, Markram unleashed a blazing onslaught, reaching his century in the next 19 balls with a spectacular six. His strike rate soared to 196.30, adorned with 14 fours and 3 sixes. This century marked Markram's first in the Asian subcontinent.


Markram etches his name in history books

His 49-ball century shattered the previous record held by Ireland's Kevin O'Brien, who achieved a ton in 50 balls against England in Bengaluru back in 2011. Earlier in the match, Rassie Van der Dussen (108) and Quinton de Kock (100) had also contributed centuries, setting the stage for Markram to elevate the team's score to a record-breaking 428/5.

This historic match also witnessed the first instance of three batters scoring centuries in a World Cup game, with Markram, de Kock, and van der Dussen spearheading South Africa's domination effort with the bat. Despite a spirited fight from Sri Lanka, they ultimately succumbed to defeat by a margin of 102 runs.