Top 3 ODI Knocks Of David Miller
David Miller at the 2023 World Cup [X.com]
Renowned for his audacious stroke-play and a penchant for sealing tense run-chases, South African run-raider David Miller has transcended all conventional norms, carving an enduring legacy marked by his sheer prowess and unparalleled finesse in the realm of ODI’s high-stakes encounters.
As one of the all-time greats of South Africa’s white-ball arena, his influence echoes through the corridors of cricketing excellence, considering he has unfurled some of the most belligerent ODI knocks since his arrival on the big stage.
Embodying the ethos of calculated aggression, David Miller’s approach at the crease mirrors his father’s sage advice, encapsulating the essence of “If it’s in the V, it’s in the tree. If it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park.” His knack for locating gaps and launching the ball into orbit underscores his prowess as a quintessential boundary conqueror in coloured clothing.
Celebrating the riveting narrative of Miller’s ODI career, here at OneCricket, we take a look back at three of his best batting performances in the format to date.
Top Five David Miller Batting Performances in ODIs
1. 118* (79) vs Australia, Durban 2016
David Miller celebrating his century in Durban, 2016 [X.com]
Facing Australia in game three of their five-match home series back in October 2016, the South African attack conceded a monumental 371-run total upfront courtesy of splendid centuries from David Warner and Steve Smith.
Chasing 372, South African openers Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, and number three Faf du Plessis blitzed through the Australian attack with a collective 20-over assault. However, their sudden dismissals and cheap returns from Rilee Rossouw and JP Duminy pushed the Proteas back into the corner in front of their home crowd.
In came David Miller at number six in the 24th over of the innings. While the broad-shouldered cricketer started out cautiously, he soon unleashed a sequence of 10 extraordinary boundaries and six sixes over the course of his unbeaten 79-ball stay at the crease. Miller completed a 69-ball century and eventually concluded his innings at 118* to see South Africa past the finishing line with four wickets and four balls to spare.
The cricketer was fittingly adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts, guiding Proteas to an unassailable 3-0 lead and a series win with two matches left to play.
2. 101 (116) vs Australia, Eden Gardens 2023
David Miller in action at the 2023 World Cup semifinal (AP)
At the brink of title glory while up against familiar foes Australia in the semifinals of the 2023 World Cup, David Miller battled South Africa’s past knockout history when Australia’s insurgent attack rattled the team’s top-order.
Taking up the role of an anchor for a change, the batting barbarian led South Africa’s recovery at the grand stage by sharing 95 runs for the fifth wicket with Heinrich Klaasen. Following Klaasen’s dismissal, Miller went on to bat with the tail to take his country towards a respective 212-run total.
The cricketer pumped out 101 runs of his own in the process to register his sixth ODI century, and possibly the best one of his international profile. Defying the likes of Australia’s charged-up attack comprising Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and leading tournament spinner Adam Zampa, the batting legend bludgeoned eight fours and five sixes until his quest of quick death-overs runs brought his downfall at the edge of the South African innings.
Unfortunately for Miller, his team fell short in yet another World Cup semifinal to crash out of the competition against the serial trophy chasers.
3. 139 (108) vs Australia, Hobart 2018
David Miller celebrating his century in November 2018 (x.com)
David Miller’s penchant for coming up clutch against Australia paid off big time as his match-winning ton in November 2018 ensured South Africa sealed their three-match away series in the decider at Hobart.
After being put into bat first, South Africa lost each of their top three batters cheaply within the first 15 overs of the innings, thus forcing captain Faf du Plessis to lead his country’s recovery with hard-hitting radical David Miller at number five.
Forming an alliance at 55-3, the two cricketers plundered identical tons in their match-defining 252-run stand. Miller himself top-scored with a scorching 139 from just 108 balls, in an innings glittered with 13 boundaries and four towering maximums.
Miller’s counterpunch stormed South Africa towards a competitive 320-5 by the conclusion of their 20 overs. The total turned out to be 40 runs better than the best run-chase efforts from Australia, as the visitors bagged their three-match series in the decider.
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