Middle-order batter David Miller led South Africa to a commanding 76-run victory over co-hosts India on Sunday, February 22 in Group 1 of the T20 World Cup Super 8s.
Miller’s 63 off 35 deliveries put the Proteas in good stead heading into the second innings, having set a defendable 187-7 total.
India’s lack of specialists in the batting department saw them fall for a measly 111 all-out, suffering their first defeat in 13 T20 World Cup games.
Match recap
India openers Jasprit Bumrah (3-15) and Arshdeep Singh (2-28) produced an important opening spell which saw South Africa reduced to 20-3 after four overs.
However, South Africa fought back after young star Dewald Brevis (45 off 29) and Miller wrestled momentum back.
The rest of India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Proteas’ middle-order ascent, before Brevis and Miller both went offensive-shot heavy and were dismissed.
Despite Bumrah and Singh’s return to the attack in the later overs, dismissing both Marco Jansen (2) and Corbin Bosch (5), Tristan Stubbs’ not-out knock of 44 from 24 deliveries proved decisive for the visitors.
Aside from Shivam Dube’s stable 42 off 37, India’s batting innings lacked any real intent and potency.
Bumrah did, however, walk away from the match with the honour of becoming India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with Miller picking up the Player of the Match after his assertive batting innings.
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‘We want more’ says Miller
Miller underlined his side’s growth and maturity as key factors to the team’s form and aim to win the tournament.
“It wasn’t easy. Playing against India is always really difficult and they’ve got some incredible team and players,” Miller told reporters, quoted on Supersport.
“For us in a tournament like this, it’s about making sure that we keep going back to the simple things, making sure that we stay in our lane as a player, get the job done and keep wanting more.
“We’re a mature team. A lot of guys have played together and a lot of cricket for South Africa and that goes a long way under pressure,” he continued.
South Africa clash with West Indies next on Thursday, February 26 in Group 1 round two of the Super 8s, with India meeting Zimbabwe on the same day.
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