New Delhi, February 28 Aiden Markram's consistently excellent performance at the top of the order in the ongoing T20 World Cup has made it clear that the opening slot remains most suitable for the South Africa captain, batting coach Ashwell Prince said on Saturday.
Markram has batted in various positions throughout his 75-match T20 International career, from opening to number five.
Prior to the T20 World Cup, Markram adjusted his position in the series against India.
This trend continued in the subsequent SA20 at home, where Markram proved most productive in the opener's role. The right-handed batsman has racked up three scores of 80 or more in the ICC tournament so far.
"In the past, there might have been different opinions about his best position in the lineup. He has played in different positions, not only for us but also in leagues where he has played in different positions," said Prince ahead of their final Super Eights game against Zimbabwe here on Sunday.
"I have always believed that opening is his best position, and obviously having a partner like Quinny, who is also a fantastic player, the left-right combination complements each other very well.
"I think he started SA20 in the middle order and then towards the end, when some of the personnel left at Durban, he was opening. And he really ended that competition strongly in that position as an opener. And he has brought that into the World Cup.
"The phrase my kids use is that he is really focused and in good form, both in his batting and as a captain," he added.
"Playing most of the games in Ahmedabad helped us"
==============================
South Africa are the only unbeaten team in the tournament. They have played four games in Ahmedabad, and the one against Zimbabwe will be their second in Delhi.
Did playing in only two venues help the team?
"We all have our different opinions about who has been advantaged and who has been disadvantaged in the tournament. People have their own opinions. At the end of the day, we are the visitors," said Prince.
"At the World Cup, we don't draw up the schedule. The schedule has been drawn up by the ICC. Look, at the end of the day, for us, not having to travel and playing in Ahmedabad, in a few of our games, it obviously helps not having to travel that much. But as I say, drawing up the schedule is out of our control."
South Africa have been the dominant team in the competition, and they only narrowly won against Afghanistan in a thrilling super over finish.
Prince said the focus is on maintaining the momentum going into the semifinals.
"I think obviously winning creates good momentum. However you win, sometimes you can have convincing wins. Other times you can have tight matches that really bring the group together, so however you're able to get over the line, I don't think there's an ideal way. If you look at our last game, we won by nine wickets.
"I think it's nice not to have a lot of close games, but I think close games definitely help in terms of team morale," added Prince.
