David Miller retired from T20Is after World Cup heartbreak? South Africa star issues fresh statement
Published - 02 Jul 2024, 09:08 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:14 AM
South Africa star David Miller has reacted to the rumors of retiring from T20Is in the wake of the heartbreaking defeat in the final of the recently-concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
The Proteas suffered a 7-run defeat in the final against India as their hopes of winning the first-ever World Cup were dashed in a brutal manner. One man who saw South Africa's remarkable capitulation in the final moments of the game from very close quarters was none other than David Miller.
When the southpaw arrived at the crease, the game was evenly poised before Heinrich Klaasen put South Africa in the driver's seat by smashing Axar Patel for two sixes and as many fours in the 15th over. When the 16th over ended, South Africa needed only 26 runs from the final four overs with a well-set Klaasen and David Miller in the middle.
Klaasen was dismissed on the very first ball of the 17th over and the onus was on David Miller to ensure South Africa crossed the finishing line. The equation was finally down to 16 runs from the final over with the veteran batsman facing Hardik Pandya. On the first ball of the 20th over, David Miller hit Pandya's low full toss straight down the ground.
At first, it looked like the ball would sail over the boundary cushions for a six. However, Suryakumar Yadav completed a sensational catch to send back Miller and seal the game. South Africa's tail-enders failed to pull off the great escape and India went on to win the game by 7 runs. Miller and his teammates were in tears after the painful defeat as South Africa failed to win the final where victory looked like a mere formality at one stage.
David Miller on retirement rumors:
Since South Africa's defeat, rumors of David Miller retiring from T20Is have been doing the rounds. The rumors stated that the 35-year-old has retired from the shortest format of the game. However, David Miller, on Tuesday (July 2), rubbished those rumors and said that he would continue to be available to play T20Is for his national team.
"Contrary to some reports, I have not retired from T20 international cricket. I will continue to be available to play for the Proteas. The best is yet to come," wrote David Miller in his Instagram story.
