'They've proved that they're not a small team' - Aiden Markram wary of USA challenge in Super Eight

South Africa are gearing up for the crucial Super Eight stage of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Having topped their group by defeating Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal the Proteas now find themselves in a tough Group 2 alongside USA, England, and West Indies.

As they prepare to take on the co-host's America first up, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram is aware of the threat and claims they are not a small team anymore.

USA shocked the world in the group stage by reaching the Super Eights from Group A consisting India, Pakistan, and Ireland. They defeated Canada comprehensively before pulling off a massive upset over Pakistan in a Super Over.

The Americans then gave India a strong test, finishing second in the group behind the Men in Blue. Their last game against the Irish side got washed out which confirmed their berth in the next stage.

Ahead of the vital Super Eight opener in Antigua, Markram admitted that his side will need to be at their 100 percent if they are to beat the in-form USA team. 

"Yeah, they've been really good I think not just them but a lot of the people will sort of say smaller nations, but they're not and they've proved that they're not anymore. So, we're going to 100% have to be on our best game tomorrow too, hopefully for things to go well, but I'm excited about that challenge," he said at the pre-match press conference.

Also read: South Africa's strongest predicted playing 11 against United States of America

Fantastic opportunity and exciting challenge for us: Aiden Markram

The South African skipper said he is excited by the challenge of taking on Monank Patel and his men in different conditions. 

"A team that we haven't played much cricket against so looking forward to that and different conditions here in Antigua as well so all those things sort of together, we probably have to assess pretty quickly and develop plans out there on the field that can hopefully do the job for us," said Markram.

Also read: Who will win today’s T20 WC match between SA and USA?

When asked if he had followed USA's campaign closely, Markram said he did see some glimpses of the team playing. He is aware of the good pace battery along with some quality spinners and their dangerous batting order that the USA consists of.

"You haven't watched much cricket to be very honest with you It's been it's been pretty busy, but you catch a few highlights here, and then it looks pretty explosive - so a good seam attack, good couple of spinners and then an explosive batting order that any one of those guys on their day can make life really difficult for you. So, trying to have plans in place to combat that, to keep them quiet ultimately to get them out as well. But again, a fantastic opportunity and exciting challenge for us tomorrow," concluded Markram.