South African batter David Miller has backed the Proteas to win their maiden World Cup title. Miller feels the team has a chance to create history and they can go all the way in the upcoming ODI showpiece. South Africa have struggled to go past the knockout stages on many occasions and they will be looking to turn the tables.
South Africa could only win three out of the nine matches in the 2019 World Cup and finished at the seventh place in the standings. Thus, they failed to qualify for the semifinal stages in the previous World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Temba Bavuma-led team have been in fine form in the recent past. They lost the first two ODIs against Australia but bounced back in style to win the next three matches and ergo, the series by 3-2.
The likes of David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen have been in supreme form and they will want to carry the good show for the Rainbow nation.
“We genuinely believe that we can do something special. The reality is we haven’t won a World Cup, so there’s no point brushing that under the carpet. But personally I don’t live with those things on my shoulders. The past is the past. It doesn’t impact me at all,” said Miller while talking to BBC Sports.
Miller has scored 4,090 runs in 160 matches, at an average of 42.06 and he is going to hold the key for the Rainbow nation.
“It’s about what’s in front of you, the next ball, your next moment. I know the other guys are in the same mindset. We’re looking at it as a chance to create history. What a brilliant opportunity this is. If we play well, we know we’ve got a chance,” Miller added.
Miller also lauded skipper Temba Bavuma for getting the best out of his players. Bavuma has been leading from the front and he is going to play a crucial role as a leader.
“I think we’ve proved some people wrong. Take Temba Bavuma. He’s had so much flak from a lot of people, and he’s basically just shoved it right back in their faces. He’s a terrific captain and a phenomenal player in this format. It’s a strong lineup. We back ourselves to compete with the bat,” said Miller.
South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on October 7.
