South Africa’s David Miller revealed that clarity of thought and disciplined execution were central to their plan against India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy during the Super 8 clash.
The Proteas outclassed the defending champions by 76 runs on Sunday, piling up 187/7 before dismissing India for 111. Chakravarthy, widely viewed as India’s potential game-changer, endured a difficult outing on a surface that offered little turn. He conceded 47 runs in his four overs, with Miller smashing 63 off 35 balls and Dewald Brevis contributing 45 off 29 as the pair launched a calculated assault.
“I think it’s just about really making sure that we were on it in terms of if he bowls a bad ball we got to put it away – so a little bit more intent and it wasn’t spinning too much tonight, so you can kind of trust the line,” Miller told reporters after the match.
“And once we felt that, then we felt, OK, we’ve got to take him down, because he is a threat to every team that he does play against. So it was definitely something that we did speak about,” he explained.
Miller’s knock, studded with seven fours and three sixes, was built on a return to fundamentals. The 36-year-old emphasised the importance of staying composed and relying on preparation.
“It’s about making sure that you really stick to the simple things and the basics and do that really well.
Like I said, my intent always has to be up, making sure that I have limited movements, when the ball is bowled, so I’m nice and still, my breathing, running hard, all those simple things.
“It’s cliche, but it really does, in the heat of battle, those are the things that I clutch to.”
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Miller acknowledged the stature of the opposition while underlining his side’s belief.
“India are beatable. India, as I mentioned, is an incredible team.
But for us in a tournament like this, it’s about making sure that we do the simple things and make 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.”
Over a career spanning more than a decade, Miller has evolved from being labelled a pure T20 power-hitter to a seasoned campaigner aware of the format’s demands.
“It’s taken a bit of time. I’ve been playing the game for a while now and it’s about making sure that I really do stick to (the basics), when there’s high-pressured moments in front of a big audience like tonight.
“…this is a game of risks and you are going to fail as a cricketer. So it’s about making sure that you playing to your terms,” Miller quipped.
His measured yet aggressive approach proved decisive on the night, delivering South Africa a statement win and handing India a significant setback in the Super 8 stage.
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