South Africa’s senior batsman David Miller said India may boast one of the strongest line-ups in world cricket, but they can be beaten with clarity, composure and disciplined execution. His remarks came after the Proteas crushed India by 76 runs in their T20 World Cup Super 8 clash in Ahmedabad.
The defeat ended India’s unbeaten streak in ICC white-ball tournaments, their first loss in 18 matches since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium. It also served as a measure of revenge for South Africa, who had fallen short against India in the previous T20 World Cup final.
Speaking after the match, Miller emphasized the importance of sticking to basics in high-pressure tournaments.
“India are an incredible team. But in competitions like this, it’s about keeping things simple, staying in your lane and getting your job done. We’re a mature side. Many of us have played together for years, and that experience counts under pressure. It’s about doing your role well and always wanting more,” Miller told reporters.
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He credited South Africa’s bowlers for their smart execution against a formidable Indian batting order that featured six left-handers. According to Miller, subtle variations and disciplined planning made the difference.
Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi played a key role despite not taking a wicket. His clever change of pace and use of slower deliveries kept India in check, conceding just 15 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 3.80.
Veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj also turned the game decisively. After an expensive start, Maharaj bounced back with a match-shifting third over, removing Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh in the space of six deliveries.
“It’s never easy bowling to six left-handers, but the guys executed brilliantly,” Miller said. “Lungi mixed it up really well with his slower balls. Keshav is vastly experienced — he’s bowled in tough situations his whole life. He adjusted his lines, went around the wicket and kept challenging them. The pace bowlers also handled the left-handers well. It’s an intimidating batting line-up, but we chipped away steadily.”
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