"Really tough pill to swallow after what transpired 2 days ago" - David Miller opens up on heartbreaking 2024 T20 World Cup final loss
South African batter David Miller expressed his disappointment two days after the side's gut-wrenching defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados on June 29. After enjoying a terrific unbeaten run until the summit clash, the Proteas looked to be on course to win their first-ever World Cup title.
However, with only a run-a-ball required off the final five overs, Miller was at the forefront of a collapse that saw his side fall short by seven runs. With 16 runs needed off the last over, the southpaw struck a low full-toss from Hardik Pandya towards the long-off boundary. Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a spectacular catch at the boundary, inches inside the rope, to end South African hopes.
Taking to his Instagram handle two days after the heartbreaking loss, Miller posted on his story:
"I am gutted!! Really tough pill to swallow after what transpired 2 days ago. Words don't explain how I am feeling. One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit. This journey was an incredible one, with highs and lows throughout the entire month. We have endured pain, but I know this team has the resilience and will keep raising the bar."
Miller was dismissed on 21 off 17 balls as South Africa's World Cup dreams ended agonizingly yet again.
Nevertheless, the 35-year-old enjoyed a reasonably impressive 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with 169 runs at an average of 28.16 and a strike rate of 102.42 in nine outings.
David Miller helped South Africa qualify for their maiden World Cup final
Despite the heartbreaking ending, South Africa enjoyed a historic 2024 T20 World Cup, winning all seven Group Stage and Super Eight games to reach the semi-final.
In the semi-final, they thrashed Afghanistan by nine wickets in under nine overs to advance to their first-ever World Cup final (ODI or T20).
Miller played a crucial role in their incredible run with a match-winning 59* against the Netherlands in the group stage and a brilliant 43 against England in the Super Eights. The veteran left-hander also made other timely contributions with the bat and in the field to help the Proteas achieve their best-ever World Cup result.
However, South Africa's 32-year wait for World Cup glory continues with the loss to Team India in the grand finale.