A relived in-stand skipper Aiden Markram feels that the Pink jersey has helped the hosts from suffering a series loss which puts the Proteas back in the game. South Africa won the 4th ODI by 5 wickets via Duck Lewis Method as the One Day International eventually transformed into a T20 match as the target became 202 from 289 and needed to chase the target in 28 overs after lightning and rain played spoilsport.
Markram, who opened along with Hashim Amla was sent back after scoring 22 runs after being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah.
The Proteas sported the Pink jersey to spread awareness about breast cancer and to show their support. For the winning captain, Markram seems that it was the 'perfect potion' as the pressure now mounts on Virat Kohli's Team India as the Men in Blue need a match to win the six-match series.
"Pink seems to be the perfect potion for us. Just relieved to have got over the line. To put some pressure on the Indians is a good feeling and to win is even better," said the match-winning captain.
Markram mentioned that the lightning and rain came as a blessing in disguise which perturbed the Indian team. Shikhar Dhawan was looking solid with his ton till the wicket had a slight turn which eventually shifted the momentum of the match.
The winning captain feels that the bowlers executed the plan brilliantly as to restrict the Men in Blue to a score of 290 was enough, but with rain playing spoilsport, the Proteas needed 202 runs in 28 overs which the batsmen chased down with ease.
"Definitely happy with the fightback; the break out there was a blessing in disguise to break up their momentum. The bowlers too were able to work out their plans in that break. To restrict them to 290 was a great job from our bowlers." said Markram on the lightning and interruptions.
It was David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen who helped the hosts chase the reduced target and win the penultimate ODI which has changed the entire complexion of the series. Surprisingly, the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal's spells did not work this time as the wicket started to turn after the rain which saw the hosts take full advantage and thrashed the spinners.
The in-stand skipper who is in place of Faf du Plessis asked his players to express themselves without any fear which eventually brought the hosts a great result.
"The message before today was to put fear aside and go and express ourselves and it is nice to see boys having bought into the plan. There is enough pressure in this game and you don't want boys to put pressure on themselves".
Markram was glad to have swashbuckler AB de Villiers back in the squad after he was ruled out from the first three ODIs due to a finger injury. The Test batsman felt that de Villiers' inclusion in the squad has helped the team overall as he possesses a different proposition to the opposition as well.
"It is good to have some experience in our middle-order with AB coming back. He possesses a different proposition to the opposition as well. We need to keep fighting our way; we aren't still at our best yet and need to keep improving with each game with one step at a time", said Markram on de Villiers' return.
"Would love to take pink into our big tournaments as well (laughs). Great day, great initiative and just incredibly happy with the way the day went", concluded Markram.
The six-match ODI series now reads 3-1, India need a match to clinch the series whereas the hosts will now aim to win the remaining two matches. The fifth ODI will be held in Port Elizabeth on 13 February.
