None of Aiden Markram’s nor Quinton de Kock’s current IPL or SA20 squadmates were in the opposition’s XI on Thursday. But, had they been, doubtless South Africa’s openers would have lashed the ball just as lustily in their stand of 95 off 48. Ryan Rickelton, too, didn’t have to wonder about whose feelings he might hurt as he went about sharing an unbroken 82 off 50 with Markram. Those two stands were all South Africa needed to retain their unbeaten record after six games in the tournament, and put them on the cusp of reaching the semifinals.
