Aiden Markram century sets up Proteas' series win over Netherlands

Winning the toss on Pink Day at the Wanderers, the Netherlands put South Africa into bat and quickly legitimized their decision with a couple of early wickets. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma was first to fall for just six, while Quinton de Kock followed shortly after to leave the hosts at 32/2.

Arguably victims of a tacky pitch, the batters that followed were more circumspect, while the Netherlands were disciplined with their lines and lengths.

Anchoring the South African batting was Aiden Markram - in his 50th ODI - who continued his sublime form this summer. The right-hander went on to notch up his maiden ODI century in the 32nd over. Supporting him was David Miller, who brought up their 100-run partnership with the Proteas at 246-4 with 11 overs and some change left to play.

From there, Markram and Miller put the visitors' attack to the sword, with the pair putting on 199 off 113 before Markram holed out on the boundary for an incredible 175 (126). His partner in crime, Miller, fell shortly after for 91 as the hosts posted 370/8.

While Marco Jansen picked up the early wicket of Vikramjit Singh in the third over, the Netherlands bounced back with a quickfire partnership with Max O'Dowd and Musa Ahmed. The duo put on 85 off 87 before an inside edge off Magala ricocheted onto his stumps.

As if he hadn't done enough, Markram then contributed with the ball, ending with figures of 2/40. But ultimately, it was Magala who took advantage of the ever-increasing required run rate to clean up the Dutch, picking up 5/43 off nine overs.

Crucially, the win puts the Proteas in eighth place in the World Cup Super League and all but confirms their participation in the upcoming global showpiece in India in October.

<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/aiden-markram-century-sets-proteas-series-win-netherlands">Aiden Markram century sets up Proteas series win over Netherlands </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>