Aiden Markram's Explosive Century Secures Victory for Durban Super Giants

Aiden Markram's remarkable century of 108 runs helped the Durban Super Giants secure a crucial 58-run victory over the Paarl Royals, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the SA20 league. Markram's explosive performance, alongside a strong bowling effort, showcased the team's resilience as they await the outcome of another match that could determine their fate. This thrilling encounter at Kingsmead highlighted Markram's ability to rise to the occasion, making it a memorable day for the Super Giants and their fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 01:56 IST

Markram's Heroics Keep Super Giants' Playoff Hopes Alive

Durban [South Africa], January 17: Aiden Markram delivered a stunning performance, scoring his second SA20 century, which was crucial for the Durban Super Giants as they fought to keep their season alive.

The captain of the Proteas T20 team showcased his talent by hitting 108 runs off just 58 deliveries, including 12 fours and five sixes, leading the Super Giants to a total of 189/7. This score proved too challenging for the Paarl Royals, resulting in a comfortable 58-run victory for the home side, as reported by an SA20 announcement.

A loss would have meant elimination for the Super Giants, but now they await the outcome of the Joburg Super Kings' match against the Pretoria Capitals, hoping for a JSK defeat to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Markram's innings was a celebration of skill, especially after he had taken time to adjust to his new role at Kingsmead following his transfer from Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

The match was tense when the Super Giants found themselves at 53/3 after 7.2 overs, with their key overseas players—Sunil Narine, Jos Buttler, and Kane Williamson—dismissed early.

It was then up to Markram and Heinrich Klaasen to stabilize the innings, forming a partnership of 81 runs off just 48 balls.

Klaasen, who scored 29 runs off 21 balls, played a supporting role as Markram unleashed a barrage of powerful shots.

Markram's aggressive batting made the Royals regret dropping him when he was on 79, courtesy of Ottneil Baartman's bowling.

His assault on Sikandar Raza, who had been a standout performer in SA20 Season 4, was particularly impressive. Markram scored 28 runs off Raza's penultimate over, which included three sixes and two fours, marking his second T20 century to the delight of the Kingsmead crowd.

Even Hardus Viljoen's remarkable bowling figures of 4/21 could not stop the Super Giants' momentum.

Among the four candidates for Player of the Match—Bjorn Fortuin, Liam Livingstone, Aiden Markram, and Hardus Viljoen—Markram received an overwhelming 78.8% of the fan votes.

The Super Giants continued their strong performance with the ball, as the Royals struggled in the sweltering Durban heat.

The Royals could not handle the exceptional spin bowling from Sunil Narine (2/18) and Simon Harmer (1/13), who combined for eight overs, conceding only 31 runs and taking three wickets.

With the Royals collapsing to 68/8, the outcome was clear, and the Super Giants ultimately restricted the visitors to 131/9, keeping their playoff hopes alive until later today when their fate will be determined at the Wanderers.