After playing a key role in Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) three-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC), middle-order batsman David Miller on Thursday (April 15) said that he wasn’t expecting to be a part of the playing XI, having been featured in one just one game for the franchise last season.
Chasing 148 to win, RR lost half their side with 42 runs on the board but Miller, who replaced injured Ben Stokes in the side, rescued them with a special knock of 62 in 43 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes.
"Good to get out there and hit the few balls. We were in a bit of trouble but that first one (boundary) was always a big relief. I knew when I got out that big man Morris will take us over the line," Miller said in a video posted by the IPL's official website.
"Coming from last year, I wasn't expecting to play but you are always ready to play. Stokes, unfortunately, missed out with a broken finger so that's a big loss to us but it allows others to come in," he added.
After Miller got out, Royals found themselves reeling at 104/7 and it was then Chris Morris stepped up to the occasion. The South African all-rounder slammed 36 not out off 18 balls (4 sixes) to take RR over the line with two balls to spare.
With 27 needed off the final two overs, Morris smashed Kagiso Rabada for 15 runs in the penultimate over, before hitting Tom Curran for a couple of sixes in the last over to seal the deal.
"Rabada is pretty quick. I used his pace and only a few guys can hit against the pace," Morris said.
Earlier, RR restricted DC to a modest 147/8 in 20 overs after opting to bowl first. Jaydev Unadkat returned with the brilliant figures of 3/15 in his four overs while Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets by conceding 29 runs.
Rajasthan Royals will take on Chennai Super Kings in their next game on Monday (April 19).
