Markram reveals Proteas' straightforward strategy in Nepal nail-biter

From a state where Nepal needed 31 runs from 39 balls with eight wickets in hand, South Africa managed to pull things back to secure a one-run win over the Asian side.

While Tabraiz Shamsi’s game-changing spell had a major impact in this turnaround, it was Ottneil Bartman’s 20th over that sealed South Africa’s win.

Markram revealed in the post-match conference that South Africa planned on keeping things simple, relying on a straightforward middle-overs plan to win the game.

“[We wanted] to keep it really simple. We thought if we were still hitting a hard length the odd one would shoot low and we could keep the stumps in play,” Markram revealed the thought process during Bartman’s over. “I didn't want us to go too full so that if we missed it became an easy hit.”

While Nepal batters tried to go for a big shot almost every ball, Bartman stuck to his good length, and used the odd short ball to surprise the batter.

“So sticking to that hard length, and using the short ball as we did to our advantage and just getting the timing right with bowling the short one as well worked.

“Pretty straightforward. I don't think it was necessarily a death plan. It was your simple middle-overs plan that we felt will work best on that pitch.”

Earlier, it was Shamsi’s 4/19 that swung the game Proteas way. His double strike in the 18th over, getting Dipendra Singh Airee (6) and Aasif Sheikh (42) derailed a set chase.

While Shamsi along with Markram accounted for five scalps, South Africa’s pacers had only one wicket.

Despite the lack of wickets from the fast bowlers in today's game, Markram had few concerns.

“I think they bowled well. I think once again we didn't give them the total they might have liked to defend. So, you do have to be really appreciative that they've kept us in the game and managed to get it down to the last over.”

“Our fast-bowling unit has been bowling really well in this competition and you want to back that and give them the freedom and let them sort of feel that they can win you games on any wicket really. So, I thought they bowled well tonight.”

Adding his praise for Shamsi’s exceptional performance, Markram said, “Shamsi was excellent. It's fantastic to have him back in the team to get an opportunity to get some time in the middle and to bowl the way he did.”

“From a bowling point of view, not too many concerns, but a lot of learning can take place in the other two facets, I feel.”