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South Africa‘s middle-order batter, David Miller, showcased remarkable resilience and determination during the Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal against Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Despite South Africa’s challenging start, losing key wickets early on, Miller stood firm and achieved his second century in the tournament.
South Africa’s turbulent start
Winning the toss, South African captain Temba Bavuma‘s decision to bat first initially backfired, with the team struggling at 18/2 after the first Powerplay due to excellent bowling by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
David Miller’s record-breaking century in knockout
However, Miller’s innings became the saving grace for South Africa, as he navigated through the tough situation and reached his century in 115 balls. Displaying his trademark aggressive style, Miller hit eight fours and five sixes, including a crucial six over deep mid-wicket that marked his hundred. Notably, Miller’s century is historic, making him the first Proteas batter to achieve this feat in a knockout match of an ODI World Cup.
Also WATCH: Travis Head dismisses Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen𒁃 on two consecutive deliveries – SA vs AUS, ODI World Cup 2023
Miller’s crucial partnerships
Throughout his innings, Miller played pivotal roles in partnerships, first contributing to a 95-run stand with Heinrich Klassen and later forming a crucial 53-run partnership with Gerald Coetzee. These collaborations underscored Miller’s importance in stabilizing South Africa’s innings and setting a competitive total.
Miller takes South Africa to a respectable score
Despite Miller’s heroic efforts, he was eventually dismissed by Cummins after scoring 101, caught at the deep square-leg boundary by Travis Head. Miller’s powerful knock propelled a struggling South Africa to a total of 212. The bowling prowess of Starc and Pat Cummins, who took three 𒅌wickets each, along with contributions from Hazlewood 🅠and Head, kept Australia in control during the match.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
One of the best🎀 💯 by David Miller under pr✅essure that to in the knock out games. 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
. battled till the end and delivered a🐈 masterclass 💯 under pressure to set up a target that off🐻ers a glimmer of hope. Will be interesting to see how the bowlers step up to defend this total.
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa)
Walking in at 24/4 anไd a magnificent 10൩0. David Miller take a bow.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara)
A hundred built on character.. David Miller’s ton has given the SA bowlers a sniff .. At least a chance to build a fight back on. Brilliant innings – First hundred in a knock out from SA .. 👏🏻
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru)
KILLER MILLER 🇿🇦
A century against all odds!— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta)
David M𒆙iller gets to his 6th and quite possibly, his most important 💯 yet with a SIX
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
DAVID "KILLER" MILLER!!!
BRUTE FORCE!!
JOU DORING!!!
💯!!!
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailওey0)
𓆏A superb innings from David Mille🐼r comes to an end 👏💪
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 🕙
A well-earned 💯 for David Miller
What An Innings from this MAN 👏
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)
A stellar century from David Miller against all odds ꦕ👊 Milꦛestones 🏏 |
— ICC (@ICC)
