Markram relieved as match-winning ton helps lift weight of his shoulders

New Delhi: Aiden Markram had blamed himself for South Africa’s loss in the first ODI and was glad to have atoned in the second match in their four-wicket victory over India.

Makram’s 110 helped South Africa chase down a 359-run target in Raipur for a series-levelling win after their 17-run defeat in Ranchi.

"Runs only matter if you win games, to be fair, or at least for me. If we'd lost today, I'd be as miserable as I would have been in the previous game. Getting the result is something that makes me really happy," Markram said after SA’s win.

"Being three (wickets) down early in the first game, a lot of that is the difference in the results I feel. From a personal point of view I felt quite responsible for that."

Markram's ton was supported by Dewald Brevis’ 34-ball 54 and Matthew Breetzke’s 68 that got the Proteas passed their target with four balls remaining, which he alluded to when he said there wasn't much discussion in the mid-innings break as batters knew they needed to deliver under pressure.

"It felt like we were living the first game out again today.There wasn't much to be honest. You kind of know how to chase 350 (or) 360, you have to take the game on a bit and manage that with setting the game up and being smart in between as well," he said.

"It wasn't a collective discussion, it was each guy backing their game and the options that they feel confident in doing and trusting that and hopefully it comes off."

Markram lauded young batters Brevis and Breetzke, whose 92-run fourth wicket partnership ensure victory for the tourists and gave them a chance for a rare ODI series win in India.

"All of it feels like it's very far away still, but belief and confidence are probably the two things that you can take as a group," he said.

"To chase quite a big number (of target) gives the group belief and confidence that the next time you're in that position, (we can say) 'we've done it before and we can do it again'."

"Brevis hits the ball (for) miles. He takes the game (head) on. He's not afraid to put bowlers under pressure and as cricket lovers, I suppose it's great to watch. It's really entertaining," he added.

"Matthew Breetzke has had an incredible start to his ODI career. He managed the situation really well today. I think, he's only played 10, 11 (or) 12 games. But the way he batted today was like this guy's got at least 50 caps under his belt.

"(It's) a big plus for us to have the side of Matthew Breetzke that can really take the game on and then the side of Matthew Breetzke that can also manage the chase quite nicely."