Proteas star David Miller delivered a sensational performance for the Barbados Royals, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 17 balls to guide his team to the CPL 2024 Qualifier 2. Miller’s destructive batting included five towering sixes, as the Royals chased down a revised target of 60 in just 4.2 overs at Providence Stadium in Guyana.
Facing the Trinbago Knight Riders in the eliminator, the Royals found themselves in a tight spot after losing opener Quinton de Kock to Sunil Narine early in the chase. However, Miller took command of the situation, nullifying the threat of Narine and smashing Chris Jordan and Terrance Hinds to all parts of the ground, sealing a dominant win for his side.
Miller’s Response to World Cup Comparisons
After his match-winning innings, Miller was asked if the intensity of the eliminator reminded him of his experience in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. However, Miller was quick to downplay any similarities.
“It’s a quarter-final, it didn’t add up to the World Cup final. This was a situation where we thought we might not even play, but we’re happy to end the match on a winning note,” Miller said during the post-match presentation.
Reflecting on the Season and Moving Forward
Miller expressed satisfaction with his overall performance for the Barbados Royals throughout the CPL 2024 season. He acknowledged the team’s ups and downs but was optimistic about carrying the momentum forward into the semi-finals.
“We’ve had our moments – played well at times, and not so well at others. But now we move to the semis, and we hope to carry this momentum forward. I wasn’t feeling great earlier, but I’m fine now, and we’ll look forward to the next game,” he added.
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Captain Praise and Knight Riders’ Reaction
Barbados Royals captain Rovman Powell hailed Miller’s incredible knock, noting how his batting took the game away from Trinbago Knight Riders. On the opposing side, Kieron Pollard, the Knight Riders’ captain, acknowledged Miller’s brilliance, admitting that it was difficult to stop him once he got going in the five-over chase.
Miller Reflects on T20 World Cup 2024 Final
Miller’s CPL heroics come after a reflective period following South Africa’s loss in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo earlier, Miller opened up about his dismissal to India’s Hardik Pandya in the last over of the final.
“There’s always ‘the moment’ in sports. That was the moment to win the game, and it wasn’t to be for me,” Miller shared, adding that it was a tough moment to come to terms with. “I felt like I let my country, teammates, and myself down. It was a very hollow feeling.”
Despite the disappointment of the World Cup final, Miller’s blistering form in the CPL has been a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back. Now, he hopes to carry this form into the crucial upcoming matches as the Barbados Royals aim for CPL 2024 glory.
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