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Miller's Masterclass: South Africa Crush India by 76 Runs in T20 WC Super 8

South Africa delivered a stunning 76-run victory over defending champions India in the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage, ending India's 18-match unbeaten run in ICC white-ball events. David Miller, named Player of the Match for his crucial 67, emphasized the strategy of sticking to personal strengths and maintaining aggressive intent, especially against India's world-class spin attack. A brilliant 97-run partnership between Miller and Dewald Brevis propelled South Africa to 187/7 before their bowlers, led by Marco Jansen's 4/22, bundled India out for a mere 111. This defeat marks India's second-biggest loss by runs in T20 Internationals and their largest ever in a T20 World Cup match.

Key Points: SA Thrash India in T20 WC: Miller's 67 Wins Player of Match

  • SA's 76-run win ends India's 18-match unbeaten streak
  • Miller's 67 & Brevis's 45 key in 97-run partnership
  • Indian batting collapses for 111 runs
  • Marco Jansen takes 4 wickets for South Africa
2 min read

"Stick to your strengths": Miller after South Africa thrash India in T20 WC Super 8 match

David Miller's 67 guides South Africa to a 76-run victory over India in the T20 World Cup Super 8. Analysis of the match and key quotes.

"s.QUOTE: Just about making sure you stick to your strengths and don't go into your shell. - David Miller"

Ahmedabad, February 22

Veteran South Africa batter David Miller emphasised the importance of backing one's strengths and maintaining intent after being named Player of the Match in the Super Eight clash against the defending champions India at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday.

South Africa thrashed India by 76 runs. India also suffered its first defeat in 18 matches in ICC events across white-ball formats since losing the finals of the 2023 World Cup against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

This was India's second-biggest defeat by runs in all T20 Internationals behind the 80-run defeats against New Zealand in Wellington in 2019. In T20 World Cup history, India suffered their biggest defeat.

Reflecting on his approach at the crease after the Proteas lost three quick wickets in the power play, Miller said he was focused on staying positive, particularly during the power play when field restrictions presented scoring opportunities. "Just about making sure you stick to your strengths and don't go into your shell. During the powerplay, all fielders were in the ring, so I thought of going over. Trying to get a partnership as much as we can, and trying to rotate strike."

The experienced left-hander highlighted the importance of understanding the dimensions and nature of the venue while planning his scoring areas. "With the nature of this ground, you want to look straight. Smaller than a square. Want to shape up to hit straight and then react."

Miller also spoke about taking the attack to India's spin attack, which he described as world-class. "Looking to be nice and aggressive against the spinners. They have world-class bowlers. Have played against them a lot, trying to put them under pressure and about putting yourself in the position to do that."

Coming to the match, South Africa made 187/7 in 20 overs after David Miller (63) and Dewald Brevis (45) stitched a brilliant 97-run stand for the fourth wicket. Tristan Stubbs played a brisk unbeaten knock of 44.

For India, Arshdeep Singh (2/28), Jasprit Bumrah (3/15), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/47), and Shivam Dube (1/32) were among the wicket-takers.

Defending 188, South Africa's bowlers produced a brilliant all-round display. None of the Indian batters hit a half-century. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42 as Proteas bundled out the defending champions for just 111 in 18.5 overs, thrashing the Men in Blue by 76 runs.

For South Africa, captain Aiden Markram (1/5), Marco Jansen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24) and Corbin Bosch (2/12) had a brilliant day with the ball.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Miller is right about sticking to strengths. Our batters looked like they were playing to survive, not to score. In T20, you can't just take singles when the required rate is climbing. Hope this is a wake-up call before the knockout stages.
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Vikram M
Biggest defeat in T20 WC history? That's a shocking stat. The middle order was a big concern coming in, and it showed today. Dube tried, but there was no support. The team needs to have a hard look at the combination.
A
Ananya R
Respect to David Miller, he played a champion's knock under pressure. Sometimes you just have to accept the other team played better. It's one bad day in a long winning streak. The boys will bounce back, I'm sure! 🇮🇳💙
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Sarah B
Watching from the US. The lack of aggression against spin was surprising. Miller targeted them, but our batters seemed hesitant. The pitch wasn't that bad. Hopefully, they learn from this before the next match.
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Karthik V
With all due respect, the team selection needs scrutiny. In a tournament like this, you need players who can adapt. Sticking to the same formula isn't always a strength if it's not working. The management has some thinking to do.
M
Michael C

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