Aiden Markram's magnificent century in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's has not only put South Africa on the verge of a historic victory but has also resurrected an old tweet from Virat Kohli, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. Chasing a target of 282, Markram's unbeaten 102 has steered the Proteas to 213/2 at stumps on Day 3, needing just 69 more runs to clinch their first ICC title since 1998.
Back on March 24, 2018, Virat Kohli took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his admiration for the young South African talent. "Aiden Markram is a delight to watch!" Kohli posted. At the time, Markram had impressed with a gritty knock of 84 against Australia in Cape Town. While he already had a few Test centuries to his name, it was that innings that particularly stood out to Kohli, prompting the now-viral tweet.
Fast forward seven years, and Markram is once again making headlines, this time with a potentially title-winning innings on the grandest stage in Test cricket. His century in the WTC final, featuring 11 elegant boundaries, has not only showcased his talent and temperament but has also made Kohli's old tweet resurface powerfully.
Markram's journey to this pivotal moment has been one of perseverance and growth. In the WTC final, after getting out for a duck in the first innings, he made a fabulous comeback with a sensational ton in the second innings. He opened the innings with Ryan Rickelton and stood firm even as his opening partner and Wiaan Mulder fell. He then paired with skipper Temba Bavuma in an unbroken 148-run partnership for the third wicket to put South Africa within striking distance of its first piece of ICC silverware since 1998.
The significance of Markram's innings cannot be overstated. Not only has he joined an elite list of batsmen to score a century in a WTC final, but he has also become the first South African to achieve this feat. His innings is only the third fourth-inning ton in Tests. Moreover, his century is the first by a South African batter in an ICC tournament final.
South Africa's chase of 282 is not just about winning a match; it's about rewriting their narrative in ICC events. The team has endured numerous heartbreaks and near misses over the past three decades, earning the unwanted tag of "chokers." But with Markram and Bavuma at the crease, there is a sense of optimism that this time, the Proteas can finally break the jinx.
As South Africa stands on the cusp of history, Virat Kohli's seven-year-old tweet serves as a reminder of Markram's potential and the keen eye of the Indian maestro. Whether it was foresight or simply an appreciation for talent, Kohli's words have aged remarkably well, adding an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the WTC final. The cricket world now waits with bated breath to see if Markram can guide South Africa to victory and etch his name in the annals of cricketing history.
