‘I was very confident that we could win’

News

Cricket365
March 8, 2016

South Africa batsman David Miller says while he felt pressure to do well in the first T20 against Australia, he had full confidence that he could help the side to victory despite their precarious position.

The Proteas needed 158 to win in Durban, but found themselves five down for just 72 runs when Miller came to the middle. He played superbly to make up for the top order's failure, scoring 53 not out off 35 balls.

Miller was pleased to do well after a stretch on the sidelines due to the packed middle order, and hoped his efforts ensured he'd keep his place as the Proteas head into the World Twenty20.

Miller said after the match: "I really enjoyed batting out there. There was a little dry period, not playing any games, but it was great to be out there.

"There was pressure when I walked out to bat, but I wanted to take it deep and well, it worked for us. I was very confident that we could win the game if we took it towards the end.

"You got to trust yourself, it's never the same in the nets and you just have to trust your ability to do well when you get the opportunity. I'm glad that it worked out."

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis was quick to praise Miller and the lower order, saying they did a great job to save the game and that Miller deserved his maiden T20 half century.

Du Plessis said: "The position they got us, we were 3-4 wickets down quickly and that's how you don't set an innings up. But our batting order is pretty long and the lower order once again came to the rescue.

"It's good to win a game like this. (Chris) Morris has been doing this for a little while and I am really happy for David Miller. He is a world class player, a finisher for us and that's what he did for us."