When David Miller scored a fierce hundred runs on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch on Thursday, November 16, against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals, Wasim Akram showered with accolades.
David Miller came out to bat in the 12th over with the Proteas at 24/4 after Miller had won the toss and decided to bat first. Together with Heinrich Klaasen, the southpaw sewed an important 95-run partnership that put South Africa in a respectable position.
But wickets continued coming off the other end at regular intervals, and Miller had to lead his team to a respectable total. The 34-year-old accomplished that by helping South Africa score a respectable 212 with a 101-run hit off 116 balls. That ultimately proved insufficient, but Miller’s work was acknowledged. Although the explosive batsman has always been regarded as a white-ball specialist, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said that he is capable of playing Test cricket.
David Miller was primarily recognized for his lower-order power hitting.
However, I believe he can play Test cricket with ease following today’s match. He is confident in himself, even on a challenging pitch. South Africa was 4 down for relatively few runs when he was substituted out. Following the semi-final, Wasim Akram commented on A Sports, “Killer Miller came and grinded it out.”
Not many innings like that have I witnessed: Misbah-ul-Haq
Misbah-ul-Haq, another former captain of Pakistan, praised Miller for his dominance against the Australian bowlers, who were all smiles following their outstanding opening burst, saying he had not seen many innings like the one Miller produced.
There aren’t many innings like that in my memory. It is amazing how he turned the tide of the contest, outclassed the Australian bowlers, and guided South Africa to a respectable score. Their collaboration with Klaasen and Miller gives them optimism,” Misbah remarked.
Australia had three wickets and sixteen balls remaining as they battled their way to the 213 mark. They will now play India in the summit match, which takes place in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
India
