David Miller showed his skills with the bat once again in Newlands, but it’s his wicketkeeping that stole the show to earn him Tuesday’s Play of the Day award, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
The middle-order batsman donned the gloves after South Africa elected to field first during the first T20I against Sri Lanka, with Quinton de Kock serving in the outfield.
The left-handed batsman dabbled occasionally behind the stumps during the recently-concluded ODI series, and many see him as Cricket South Africa’s favourite to serve as backup to De Kock in England during the World Cup.
READ MORE: Miller enjoying wicketkeeping challenge
Miller took to his task immediately by dismissing Niroshan Dickwella for a duck, just two balls into the match when Dale Steyn found the Sri Lankan opener’s edge. He followed that up with his first stumping in his budding wicketkeeping role, reading Imran Tahir’s elusive googly before shattering the advancing Kamindu Mendis’ (41 off 29 balls, 3×4, 2×6) stumps.
The left-handed powerhouse also smashed a quickfire 41 (23 balls, 5×4, 1×6) during South Africa’s chase, before laying the foundations for the home side’s victory by setting the visitors 15 runs to win in the super over. His all-round heroics saw him walk away with a much-deserved Player of the Match award in Newlands.
Huge congratulations to the Player of the Match, @DavidMillerSA12 on his thoroughly deserved award!#ProteaFire #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/P6vtnwWyZH
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 19, 2019
READ ALSO: Win took bit longer than expected – Miller
The second T20I will take place in Centurion on Friday with Sri Lanka hoping to rein back South Africa’s 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
