SA’s David Miller opens up on T20 World Cup final loss to India

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Updated: 02 Jul 2024 09:12 IST

Johannesburg (South Africa), July 2 (ANI): South African batsman David Miller expressed his sadness over his team’s loss to India in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados on Saturday, calling the defeat “a bitter pill to swallow”.
A stunning display of death bowling from the trio of Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya and some superb knocks from Virat Kohli and Axar Patel helped India end their ICC trophy drought. They secured their second ICC T20 World Cup title by beating debutant finalists South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling finale in Barbados on Saturday.
In the final over, Miller, known for his clutch, breakthrough and match-winning performances for the Proteas, attempted a big shot when 16 runs were needed from six balls. However, the ball found Suryakumar Yadav near the boundary, who pulled off a remarkable catch to turn the match completely in India’s favour, dismissing the batters for 21. The Men in Blue clinched their second ICC T20 World Cup title with a seven-run victory.
Miller wrote on Instagram on Monday: “I am devastated!! This is such a bitter pill to swallow after what happened 2 days ago. Words cannot describe how I feel. One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit. This journey has been incredible, with highs and lows throughout the month. We have endured pain, but I know this team is resilient and will continue to raise the bar.”

In nine matches, Miller scored 169 runs in the tournament at an average of 28.16, with one half-century and a strike rate of 102.42. His best score was 59*.
In the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and elected to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a 72-run counter-attacking partnership between Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) restored India’s position in the match. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.
Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the best bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.
In the 177-run run chase, Proteas were reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought SA back into the match. A half-century from Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to snatch the match from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik Pandya (3/20) made a fine comeback in the death overs to leave SA at 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Virat secured the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India have ended their ICC trophy drought. (ANI)