The 16th match for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was a face off between South Africa and the Netherlands at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
Both teams belong to the Group D in the men’s T20 World Cup, which comprises a total 20 teams competing this year to win the glorified trophy.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first, and Netherlands batted impressively and scored 103/9 and set the goal for SA to chase later in the second innings.
South Africa won the match after getting the scoreboard to 106/6 in 18.5 overs, despite posting their lowest score ever in any T20I match.
“They made it difficult for us to score” says POTM David Miller
South Africa’s David Miller addressed the audience at the post match segment, after being announced as the Player Of The Match.
Speaking on his feelings about the victory, Miller shared that he was feeling a lot better. He also stated that the team did a good finish in the end. David also admitted that the wicket didn’t completely work as expected, despite being better in the second innings.
“Whole lot better now (how’s the heart?). It was a good finish in the end. Wicket played a bit better than the first game but it was still going around.” David said.
He further credited the Netherland bowlers who made it difficult for the South African team to score well.
“Credit to the Netherlands guys who hit their areas well. Wanted to tick over the scoreboard as much as we can. Can’t go into a shell. They made it difficult for us to score. We just tried to ground it out as much as we could.”
Ending his statement with his own thoughts during the game, Miller stated,
“We have got over the line with our tailenders (before), so I had faith in the guys coming in. First ball of the second last over went, and I thought I have to finish the game here.”
David Miller’s performance in the match
Despite the South African team losing 4 of their star batsmen in the powerplay, including Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen and captain Aiden Markram with only 16 runs to their name, the South African team recovered well, losing only 6 wickets in the game.
While Tristan Stubbs tried hard, to score well and posted a total of 33 off of 37 balls, it was Miller who ultimately saved the team’s face.
David Miller scored an impressive 59* off of 51 bowls with a strike rate of 115.69. This is a praiseworthy performance, especially since none of the players other than Miller and Stubbs could score in double digits.
The South African team needs to sharpen their skills as none of the other players could even score 5 runs in their batting innings.
South Africa will now face off against Bangladesh in match 21 of 55 in the T20 World Cup 2024
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