'22 extras is a lot': Aiden Markram warns 'every delivery counts' after South Africa's Super Over drama

NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Aiden Markram has stressed the need for sharper execution from his bowlers ahead of their high-stakes T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand, warning that “every delivery” could prove decisive.

The winner of Saturday’s Group D encounter in Ahmedabad between the two unbeaten teams will become the first side to secure a spot in the Super Eights.The Proteas, runners-up in the previous edition, survived a dramatic contest against Afghanistan that required two Super Overs to determine the result.

Reflecting on the thriller, Markram said on Friday that "Realising the importance of every delivery" was key."Also realising the importance of winning smaller moments in the game, and not putting too much importance on the end result."But yeah, two super overs in a game, I don't think many of us have been a part of it. But it's certainly really nerve-wracking."Afghanistan needed 13 runs from the final over to seal victory, but Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls and a wide, allowing them to level South Africa’s total of 87 and force the tie-breaker.Markram admitted improvements were needed, especially in terms of discipline."First and foremost, discipline," he said. "Not just from the no ball or anything like that, but 22 extras I think it's been now in two games.

And it's a lot of runs in this format."New Zealand pacer Matt Henry echoed the competitive spirit surrounding the fixture, noting the rivalry between the two nations."I think you always want to play the best sides," said Henry."With rugby and cricket it's always those games you want to be a part of so it's always exciting to come and play South Africa and nothing changes in a World Cup."They're always going to be strong in all areas as well so it's just a challenge we look forward to."