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 Jansen 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 wickets each, along with contributions from Hazlewood and Head, kept Australia in control during the match.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
DAVID "KILLER" MILLER!!!
BRUTE FORCE!!
JOU DORING!!!
?!!! #CWC23 #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/2epicjZ3JQ
— Lawrence Bailey?? (@LawrenceBailey0) November 16, 2023
Also READ: David Lloyd criticizes ICC over pitch change for India’s benefit – ODI World Cup 2023, IND vs NZ
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.