David Miller declared that India are “beatable” after South Africa handed the hosts a crushing 76-run defeat in their Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad. The Proteas veteran, who was named Player of the Match, said precise execution and sticking to their plans helped topple the unbeaten Suryakumar Yadav-led side.
India’s unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup 2026 came to a crashing halt as South Africa produced a clinical performance with both bat and ball. Miller’s measured yet explosive knock stood at the heart of that statement win. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Miller was asked what the emphatic victory said about India as a team.
“That they are beatable. India come with, as I mentioned, an incredible team. But I think for us in a tournament like this, it’s about making sure that we do, as I said, I keep going back to the simple things and making sure that we stay in our lane as a player and do the job and get the job done,” Miller said.
“We’re a mature team. A lot of guys have played together and a lot of cricket for South Africa and that goes a long way under pressure. So I think it’s just staying in your lane, making sure that you get the job done and keep wanting more.”
The defeat marked India’s second-biggest loss by runs in T20 Internationals and their heaviest ever in T20 World Cup history — a significant jolt at the start of the Super 8 stage.
HOW DAVID MILLER THUMPED INDIA
South Africa were in early trouble at 20 for 3 inside the powerplay. But Miller absorbed the pressure and rebuilt the innings.
He struck 63 off 35 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. More importantly, he stitched a 97-run fourth-wicket partnership with Dewald Brevis, shifting momentum decisively. The stand steadied the Proteas and allowed them to push towards a competitive 187 for 7.
Miller targeted the shorter boundaries and rotated strike smartly once set, and even attacked one of India’s more dependable bowlers, Varun Chakravarthy. His acceleration in the middle overs forced India to adjust their plans, and that was made worse for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side when Tristan Stubbs started going big during the death overs.
INDIA’S TROUBLESOME SUPER 8 START
India’s chase never gathered pace.
Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma all fell cheaply, and no meaningful partnership followed. As the asking rate climbed, pressure mounted. The middle order failed to counterattack, and India were eventually bowled out for 111.
The 76-run defeat not only dented confidence but also hurt India’s net run rate, a crucial factor in the Super 8 stage. With West Indies and Zimbabwe still to come, the margin for error has shrunk considerably.
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