I would have rather done badly and won, says Proteas centurion Miller

In another ICC semi-final, David Miller stood alone in a losing cause as South Africa crashed out of the Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday after suffering a 50-run loss to New Zealand.

Miller finished unbeaten on 100 off 67 balls, a knock which saw the left-handed batter smash four sixes and 10 fours as the Black Caps’ 362-run target proved too big to chase for South Africa.

Speaking after the match, Miller emphasised that though individual success is “nice”, he would forfeit it if it meant the team would make it to the final in Dubai, where they would have had the opportunity to avenge their T20 World Cup final loss to India.

The 35-year-old pointed out that losing wickets in the middle overs and the deterioration of the pitch were two reasons largely behind South Africa’s failure in chasing the target.

“(It’s) always nice to score a hundred. I’m very happy to personally do well, but I would have rather done badly and won the game,” said Miller.

“It’s not easy chasing 360, even if it’s a good wicket. It’s always a tall task. We were really in a good position at one stage, good foundation, and then we lost a couple of wickets in the middle that set us back.

“There was no dew, so the wicket deteriorated as the game went on, and they spun the ball a lot more than us.

“It would’ve been nice to have a rematch against India, but this life is not fair sometimes. Everyone has to work hard to achieve trophies.”

Having watched Kane Williamson (102), Rachin Ravindra (108), Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49) put on a batting masterclasses at the Gaddafi Stadium, Miller lauded their efforts and put no blame on the Proteas’ bowling performance.

“Our bowlers bowled really well. Credit goes to the opposition. They get paid right to bat well as well. I think they had a good innings, Kane and Rachin,” said Miller.

“It was unbelievable batting from them, and then Glenn Phillips came in and destroyed us in the back. It was just one of those things where we came short again, but we played good cricket.

“Overall, really proud of the guys and obviously very gutted. There’s a winner and a loser, and unfortunately, we lost today.”

South Africa’s next shot at an elusive ICC ODI trophy will be at home in the 2027 ODI World Cup.