Stand-in captain Aiden Markram suffered a hamstring injury during their Champions Trophy 2025 match against England at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.
Markram, who was leading the team in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma due to illness, left the field in the 31st over of England’s innings due to discomfort in his hamstring.
Injury Details
Markram’s injury occurred while he was fielding, and he was immediately replaced by Heinrich Klaasen, who took over the captaincy duties for the remainder of the match.
The extent of Markram’s injury is currently unknown, and he will only bat in the second innings if required.
This precautionary measure indicates that South Africa is cautious about risking further injury to their key player ahead of the semi-finals.
Impact on the Match
Despite Markram’s injury, South Africa dominated the match, bowling out England for a mere 179 runs in 38.2 overs.
England struggled against the South African bowling attack, with Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder being particularly effective. England’s highest scorer was Joe Root with 37 runs, while Jos Buttler, playing his last match as captain, failed to make a significant impact.
South Africa then chased down the target with ease, winning by seven wickets to top Group B in the Champions Trophy 2025.
This victory secured their spot in the semi-finals alongside Australia from Group B, while India and New Zealand qualified from Group A.
Implications for the Semi-Finals
The injury to Markram comes at a critical time for South Africa, as they prepare to face either India or New Zealand in the semi-finals.
If Markram misses the semi-final match, South Africa’s chances of advancing further in the tournament could be significantly affected.
The semi-final matches are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with India set to play in Dubai and the second semi-final taking place in Lahore.
Team Preparations
South Africa had already been dealing with the absence of Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi due to illness, with Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen stepping into the lineup.
Despite these challenges, South Africa’s performance against England showcased their depth and resilience, but the uncertainty surrounding Markram’s injury adds a layer of concern as they head into the knock-out stages.
