David Miller's remarkable century, a first for a South African batsman in the Men’s ODI World Cup knockouts, was the cornerstone of the Proteas' total of 212 in 49.4 overs against Australia in the gripping semi-final at Eden Gardens.
Opting to bat amid overcast conditions, South Africa faced early setbacks with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc decimating their top order, reducing them to a precarious 24/4. However, Miller exhibited resilience under pressure, crafting a composed 101 off 116 deliveries, adorned with eight boundaries and five towering sixes, earning a standing ovation from the stadium crowd.
This century by Miller also marks the first instance of a player batting at number six or lower achieving a hundred in a Men's ODI World Cup knockout match. His partnership of 95 runs alongside Heinrich Klaasen was pivotal, especially with Miller aggressively targeting leg-spinner Adam Zampa, dispatching all sixes against his bowling in Thursday's clash.
Australia's formidable bowling duo of Starc and Hazlewood wreaked havoc during the early stages, disrupting South Africa's batting rhythm. Captain Temba Bavuma fell for a four-ball duck, while Quinton de Kock's impatience led to a brilliant catch by Pat Cummins off Hazlewood. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen also fell victim to the Australian bowlers, leaving South Africa reeling.
Cummins' exceptional support complementing Starc and Hazlewood, combined with impeccable ground fielding and consistent pressure with two slips, limited South Africa to just one boundary in their initial 52 balls, with rain halting play for 35 minutes when they were at 44/4 in 14 overs.
Resuming post-interruption, Miller and Klaasen seized the opportunity to counterattack, targeting Zampa and accelerating the scoring rate. However, Travis Head claimed key wickets to push South Africa back into trouble, despite Miller's resilient fifty and Gerald Coetzee's brief support.
Miller's explosive hitting propelled him to a century, but a dismissal right after reaching this milestone, followed by Kagiso Rabada's departure, culminated in South Africa's innings concluding at 212.
Summary:
South Africa 212 in 49.4 overs (David Miller 101, Heinrich Klaasen 47; Mitchell Starc 3-34, Pat Cummins 3-51) against Australia
(With Agency Inputs)
