Led by Aiden Markram’s unbeaten century, the Proteas finished the third day of the match at 213/2. He is joined at the crease by captain Temba Bavuma, who has reached 65* off 121 balls.
Coach Shukri Conrad advised Markram and Bavuma to continue with their regular routines as they headed back to the pavilion after their 143-run partnership concluded play on Friday.
“Don’t change a thing. Tomorrow morning, come and do the same warm-up that you do every day. Just the same processes,” he instructed them.
Assistant coach and former player Ashwell Prince emphasized the importance of the team remaining grounded as they sense the possibility of victory.
“We obviously understand the magnitude of the situation and what’s at stake. But they’ve just got to stay calm and take it in their stride,” he remarked after Friday’s play.
South Africa has faced numerous missed opportunities over the past two decades, often falling short in World Cup semi-finals and being hindered by various factors like rain delays and DRS rules. They reached an ICC final last year against India in the T20 World Cup but fell short in a thrilling last-over finish.
“Make them believe that they can do it, and then just sort of step out of the way and allow them to go and do it,” Prince stated.
“But there is a very strong bond in that change room. They are encouraging each other to cross the finish line,” he added.
First Published: Jun 14, 2025 1:02 PM IST
