South African batter David Miller has turned his game in the last few months and he feels he understands his game better now. Miller was in rollicking form in the recently concluded Tata IPL 2022 as he amassed 481 runs in 16 matches and thus played an instrumental role in the success of Gujarat Titans.
The left-hander continued his dream form as he scored an unbeaten knock of 64 runs off just 31 balls against India in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday. Miller was able to hit the ground running and took the attack on the Indian bowlers from the word go.
The southpaw completed his fifty off just 22 balls as he played an instrumental role in the run-chase of 212 runs. This is South Africa’s highest chase in the shortest format of the game and they won by seven wickets after Miller and Rassie van der Dussen added 131 runs off just 63 balls.
In fact, earlier it was noticed that Miller was a bit inconsistent in his performances but he has turned the tables in the recent past.
David Miller was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. Miller said in the post-match presentation, “Obviosuly 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.”
On the other hand, Rassie van der Dussen scored 75 runs off 46 balls to play a fine supporting role. The right-hander got off to a slow start and he was also given a reprieve by Shreyas Iyer when he was on 29. However, van der Dussen was able to make the most of his second chance and also changed gears towards the end of the innings.
He said after the game, “Pretty good. We had a good week of preparation in these conditions, bit sticky there in the middle but David’s such a good player, he pulled me through that little patch. We knew if we were there till the end then we would win it. I always knew I was just two boundaries away, it was not because of lack of intent, I was clear in my mind what I wanted to do but it didn’t come off, you need to be mentally tough through that patch and not give it away, when you take 30 balls your team expects you to do something special. I have had a game plan that has worked for me in the last few years, the good thing of our dugout and coaching team is that they trust, I was a touch slow today and need to work on that. Dwaine had clear instructions and he gave us that flying start, we knew if we bat well we could chase this and to have that belief. Sometimes the strangest things that make a difference, seems like it (change of bat changed his luck).”
The second T20I between India and South Africa will take place at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Sunday.
