More than 36 hours later, Glenn Maxwell’s innings against Afghanistan is still fresh in the mind of the cricketing fraternity, like a bad hangover. While it is still difficult to accept the outcome of that contest in Mumbai, South Africa’s David Miller is already inspired to replicate something similar from the number 6 position.
“Of course (I’m inspired). Seeing a knock like that was really special. He’s an X-Factor, a match-winner. It was inspiring to see no foot movement there and still hitting sixes and fours. From a game where they were dead and buried,” Miller showered praise on Maxwell’s knock at the pre-match press conference.
South Africa will face Afghanistan on Friday in their last league game in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Miller emphasised that Maxwell’s “belief” was the prime reason he was able to win that game.
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“I mean, it was, I suppose, where the game of cricket is going, you kind of always believe as you go along. You just tick over the balls, get through the overs, and kind of see how it unfolds. And you never know what is possible. So just to keep believing throughout.”
While Maxwell pulled off an unbelievable heist in the run chase, the Proteas have looked lost whenever they have been asked to chase in the tournament so far. David Miller, however, brushed off the question stating that they can chase any target.
“It doesn’t help losing a couple of wickets up front and be on the back foot, as well as some really good bowling from the opposition. So yeah, I think we have chased a lot of games in the past, and I don’t think it’s something that is a huge issue at all… I think it’s just comparing to what we have done batting first, which has been exceptional.
“We haven’t been horrific chasing, it’s just been one or two games where we slipped up, which is part of the game.”
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While the game will not bear consequentially on the Proteas as they have already qualified for the semi-finals, they will not want to face red-hot Aussies after an inconvenient game against Afghanistan.
“I don’t think any international game is kind of a weird game. I think for us, it’s just continuing what we’ve really done in this World Cup and just nailing down on areas that we want to improve on from the previous game and yeah, I think it’s a great opportunity to showcase what we can do and get some momentum into that semi,” Miller said.
“It’s something that we’re very aware of at World Cups that there’s no easy game in the game of cricket. So just to make sure that we’re really well prepped with whatever game we’re playing and team we’re playing,” the southpaw added.
David Miller was also appreciative of the way Afghanistan have fared in this tournament, almost knocking at the doors of semi-finals.
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“They’ve been really, really good to watch. They’re a team that’s certainly growing in confidence. They’ve shown that they can compete. I mean this World Cup they’ve done really, really well, beaten some big teams.
“It’s been good to watch the Afghanistan group going the way that they have with the spinners that they’ve got, the batters up front, they’ve done really well. Their opening stands have been really good. And then contributions throughout the innings from the other batters.
“They’re a really strong team, and hence, they have a chance to make the semifinals. It’s great to see, and good for cricket.”
While the Proteas are treating the game with utmost seriousness, they had a curtailed and relaxed training session. The players went back to the dressing room after a session of two hours against a three-hour schedule.
Andile Phehelukwayo, who is yet to get a game, had a decent hit in the nets against throw-downs, towards the end of the session.
Miller was quizzed about the all-rounder’s place in the squad and the probability of him getting game time against Afghanistan, but he didn’t know if Phehlukwayo would be in the starting XI.
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“I honestly don’t know. Yeah, I haven’t had any conversations with the coach and captain and certain people according to the selection with Andile.”
Meanwhile, Miller will be playing at his IPL home ground and said that while it is a great facility in Ahmedabad, it will be a great achievement to be here again for the finals.
“Yeah, I’ve played a few games here with Gujarat Titans and had the pleasure of playing in front of a full-packed house here. It’s a place that you kind of want to play cricket. It’s a great facility. Really excited for what lies ahead, potentially being here in the final. It will be a great, great achievement.”
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