South African batter David Miller on Thursday (9th June) talked about his match-winning innings in the first T20I against India in Delhi. He said that he was “chuffed” with the victory in a record chase by the visitors.
Miller played one of his best innings in T20Is to help his side create history and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. After India posted a mammoth total of 211 runs on the board and removed 3 South African wickets at regular intervals, it almost seemed that they would complete a comfortable win.
But Miller came out all guns blazing and made Indian bowlers look clueless. Batting at No.5, the southpaw struck 64* off just 31 deliveries and stitched an unbeaten 131-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, who scored 75*, to take his side home.
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Miller was also awarded the Player of the Match award for his knock, which was laced with 5 sixes and 4 fours and was applauded by many fans and pundits for his senstaional knock.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Miller said that he has put in a lot of hard work in the last few years and is understanding his game a lot better. And belief in himself is the one thing that has transformed his career. He also talked about the chase, saying that he is ‘chuffed’ with the result.
Miller also praised Van der Dussen for playing ‘phenomenally’ well at the back end and also opened up about his conversation with the right-hander in the middle.
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“Obviously a lot of hard work has gone in over the last few years understanding my game a lot better. You need two players playing a part while chasing. Rassie played phenomenally well at the back end with some big overs. Chuffed with the result. Just try and hang in there was the chat (With Rassie). He was trying to go but he wasn't getting it.
“Just about limiting dot balls and waiting for that loose ball. Belief (one thing that has transformed his career). Understanding winning more games and more consistency gives you more belief. I am pretty open to bat anywhere. Just want to make a difference,” David Miller said.
Notably, Miller came into the the series on the back of the solid performances in IPL 2022. He smashed 481 runs in 16 games at an average of 68.71 and played a crucial role in Gujarat Titans’ title-winning triumph.
The second T20I between India and South Africa is slated to take place on the 12th of June in Cuttack.
(Star Sports inputs)
