'Just for the time being, it stings a bit, but it's good for it to sting' - Aiden Markram reflects on gut-wrenching T20 WC final loss

It was the battle of the unbeaten at the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 final as both India and South Africa came into the game with an untarnished record throughout their respective campaigns. Although it was South Africa who had just come into the final with quite a few close wins with the narrowest of margins, it was South Africa, surprisingly, who were in absolute cruise control in the run-chase till the 15th over of the match. After the 15th over, it all went downhill for the Proteas, leaving them with yet another excruciating missed opportunity.

Amidst a plethora of emotions including the ecstatic and jubilant Indians, most of who were in sheer disbelief at what had unfolded, was the ever-composed and poised South African skipper, Aiden Markram, who maintained his serene demeanor during the post-match ceremony.

He exhibited a masterful equilibrium of emotions in both his words and tone, reflecting his impeccable composure. Reflecting on their flawless campaign where they secured victories in all eight matches leading up to the final, Markram acknowledged the overall positive sentiment surrounding their performance in the tournament. Nevertheless, he admitted that the heartbreaking defeat would leave a lingering sting, albeit a beneficial one, as it would ignite a fervent determination within the squad for their next major tournament.

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"In hindsight, things will still feel really good about this competition. Just for the time being, it stings a bit, but it's good for it to sting. It gives you that little bit of fire in the belly for the next time that you're here," stated Markram during the post-match ceremony.

Markram also reflected on the inherent fluctuations of the game, acknowledging that they naturally amplified the emotions involved. He recognized that it was entirely natural for the players to feel dejected and disheartened in the immediate aftermath of the loss, but emphasized that in due time, they could adopt a more positive perspective.

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"When you get really close like that, especially the nature of how the game went, obviously adds to the emotions. It's one of those things but, we can channel it moving forward. I think for the next couple of days you let it be, you let yourself feel the way you want to feel and then really start reflecting in a positive manner," added Markram.

Interestingly, South Africa's upcoming assignment will bring them back to the Caribbean islands in August for two Tests and three T20Is, with significant anticipation building based on their impressive performance in this year's mega-event.