New Delhi, India

After three matches, it’s time for the first marquee game of the 2024 T20 World Cup between South Africa and Sri Lanka in New York on Monday (June 3). Led by Aiden Markram, a seasoned Protean campaigner, South Africa possesses the most dangerous batting line-up with some top batters listed. On the other hand, the Sri Lanka Team include a star-studded spin attack likely to come in handy on slow tracks in the Americas.

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Speaking ahead of his side’s opener in this 20-team tournament, Markram reflected on his captaincy journey, saying he doesn’t regret captaining South Africa early in his career. 

Although his first captaincy stint led to a dip in results for the Proteas, eventually putting Markram’s place in the side in a tight space, he said he enjoyed that phase and learned a lot throughout his journey.

Six years since first captaining his team against a potent Indian side in ODIs at home (where they lost), Markram won the SA20 title.

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“I'd never regret taking captaincy for your national team. At the moment it was obviously not the best series for us as a team, but if you look at it in hindsight, that's why I'm grateful because I was able to learn,” Markram said. 

“I learned quite a bit through that series and had some really awesome senior players guiding me while I was out there as well, which sort of helps you grow a lot as a captain and as a player,” he continued. 

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Meanwhile, South Africa lost to West Indies 0-3 in the lead-up to this World Cup, and though most of the T20 WC-bound players were absent from the XI, Markram feels this team has the chance of doing something they haven’t achieved before. He added that the players involved are excited about this campaign and willing to put in their 100%. 

“I think it brings a bit more excitement and energy to the team. But we'd love to get that first elusive one, of course. I believe that we have the team to do so. But I don't think it adds too much more pressure. Guys are definitely really hungry to get that first one,” Markram added. 

SA ready for SL challenge

Two teams, who can beat anyone on their day, will square off at the newly-built Nassau County Cricket Stadium on Monday. 

While South Africa will rely on its batting order, including Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs, the Asian giants Sri Lanka have their spinners ready to tackle this storm.

Captain Wanindu Hasaranga will hold the keys, while all eyes will be on Chennai Super Kings pair of Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana.