• South Africa are taking on Australia in the second semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023.

  • South Africa's middle-order batter David Miller scored his second century of the tournament.

ODI World Cup 2023: Fans and experts roar in admiration as South Africa’s David Miller scores fighting hundred against Australia
David Miller (Image Source: Twitter)

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South Africa‘s middle-order batter, David Miller, showcased remarkable resilience and determination during the Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal against Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Despite South Africa’s challenging start, losing key wickets early on, Miller stood firm and achieved his second century in the tournament.

South Africa’s turbulent start

Winning the toss, South African captain Temba Bavuma‘s decision to bat first initially backfired, with the team struggling at 18/2 after the first Powerplay due to excellent bowling by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

David Miller’s record-breaking century in knockout

However, Miller’s innings became the saving grace for South Africa, as he navigated through the tough situation and reached his century in 115 balls. Displaying his trademark aggressive style, Miller hit eight fours and five sixes, including a crucial six over deep mid-wicket that marked his hundred. Notably, Miller’s century is historic, making him the first Proteas batter to achieve this feat in a knockout match of an ODI World Cup.

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Miller’s crucial partnerships

Throughout his innings, Miller played pivotal roles in partnerships, first contributing to a 95-run stand with Heinrich Klassen and later forming a crucial 53-run partnership with Gerald Coetzee. These collaborations underscored Miller’s importance in stabilizing South Africa’s innings and setting a competitive total.

Miller takes South Africa to a respectable score

Despite Miller’s heroic efforts, he was eventually dismissed by Cummins after scoring 101, caught at the deep square-leg boundary by Travis Head. Miller’s powerful knock propelled a struggling South Africa to a total of 212. The bowling prowess of Starc and Pat Cummins, who took three wickets each, along with contributions from Hazlewood and Head, kept Australia in control during the match.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: 

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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