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South African batter and captain Aiden Markram took a one-handed blinder for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their SA20 qualifier against the Durban Super Giants at Newlands on Tuesday.
Having set their KwaZulu-Natal visitors 158 runs to win under the lights, the Sunrisers tore through the Super Giants top-order in Cape Town.
Introduced into the attack in the third over, Ottniel Baartman struck immediately for the defending champions as he delivered a sensational two-wicket maiden over.
Baartman dismissed opener Matthew Breetzke for three when he got an edge behind to bring Jon-Jon Smuts to the crease.
Then, it happened.
Smuts only lasted four balls before he pulled Baartman to mid-on, making clean contact with the ball as it looked destined for the boundary.
Markram, though, had other ideas, leaping into the air, stretching his right hand over his left shoulder as the ball stuck for what is surely one of the most stunning catches you will ever see.
Smuts, in disbelief, walked back to the changeroom for a duck as the Newlands crowd watched the replay over and over on the stadium big screen.
If you're left wondering how Aiden Markram pulled off that incredible catch, you're not alone ???? Stream #SA20 live: https://t.co/ACEUH7ehZ3#Betway #SA20 | #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/9zBbjWObka
— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) February 6, 2024
Baartman's man-of-the-match performance saw him end with 4/10 in his four overs. All-rounder Marco Jansen was also superb with the ball as he took four 4/16 in 3.3 overs.
The Sunrisers are on track to defend their SA20 title as they progress through to Saturday's final at Newlands.
Meanwhile, Durban's Super Giants have a second chance to qualify for the final, when they meet the winner of Paarl Royals vs Joburg Super Kings.
