Aiden Markram's 175 put South Africa on brink of ODI World Cup 2023 qualification

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On the back of Aiden Markram's 175 off 126 (17 fours and seven sixes) in the third ODI against Netherlands in Johannesburg, South Africa defeated the visitors by 146 runs to put themselves on the cusp of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 direct qualification.

The victory has helped the Proteas jump to the eighth spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Super League standings. Notably, the top eight teams directly qualify for the ICC mega event which is scheduled to be held in India in October-November this year.

After Sri Lanka lost their ODI series against New Zealand, only Ireland can now knock South Africa out of the top eight. However, the side will have to win each of their three home ODIs against Bangladesh next month.

Netherlands on Sunday opted to bowl first after winning the toss at The Wanderers Stadium. South Africa lost their openers Quinton de Kock (8) and Temba Bavuma (6) early but Rassie Van Der Dussen (25) joined hands with Markram to steady the ship with a 62-run partnership.

After the departure of van der Dussen, Markram forged another 51-run partnership with Heinrich Klaseen (28). Later, the right-hand batter was joined by experienced southpaw David Miller who blasted 91 runs off just 61 balls. The partnership between Markram and Miller accounted for 199 runs off just 118 balls.

The blazing innings from the two IPL-bound batters saw South Africa post 370/8 in 50 overs. Notably, this was Markram's first hundred in 50 ODI matches. The 28-year-old has been recently appointed the captain of South Africa T20I team and IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

In reply, Netherlands were off to a good start and were cruising at 108/1 in 18 overs at one stage. However, things soon turned south after Max ODowd and Musa Ahmed departed for 47 and 61 runs respectively. Right-arm pacer Sisanda Magal ran riot and picked a five-wicket haul as Netherlands were bundled out for 224 in 39.1 overs.