David Miller has highlighted that his team had to travel for their match against India and then for New Zealand. They first had to go to Dubai and then come back to Lahore which was “not ideal”. The confusion filled planning of the tournament was also brought into question when both South Africa and Australia had to come to Dubai from Pakistan immediately ahead of their respective semi-final fixtures. South Africa’s journey proved to be utterly pointless, where they stayed less than 24 hours in Dubai before returning without even playing one match. Meanwhile, Australia was in Dubai but lost their semi-final match to India.
Too Much Travelling For South Africa
The chaotic itinerary was a result of India choosing to play all their games in Dubai, rather than traveling to Pakistan, the tournament hosts, for political reasons. South Africa therefore made an avoidable trip not long after beating England in Karachi on Saturday. Even with David Miller’s sparkling unbeaten 100 from 67 balls, South Africa failed to chase New Zealand’s colossal total and were beaten by 50 runs.
Also Read: IND Vs NZ, Champions Trophy Final: Date, Time & Venue For India Vs New Zealand Match!
“Not An ideal Situation”: Says Miller
“It’s only an hour and 40 minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal,” Miller said
“It’s early morning, it’s after a game and we had to fly. Then we got to Dubai at 4:00 pm.
“And at 7.30 am we had to come back. It doesn’t make it nice.
“It’s not like we flew five hours, and we had enough time to recover and recuperate, but it was not an ideal situation still.”
Miller On New Zealand Vs South Africa Match
“It’s not easy chasing 360 even if it’s a good wicket,” said Miller, who hit four sixes and 10 fours in his seventh ODI hundred.
“I think the wicket just deteriorated as the game went on and they spun the ball a lot more than us,” said Miller.
“It’s just they got a little bit more purchase out of the wicket.”
Miller predicted a “great” final, adding: “I’ll be honest with you, I think I’ll be supporting New Zealand.”
Also Read: NZ Vs SA: Temba Bavuma Admits What Went Wrong For South Africa, Says ‘We Just Weren’t Able To…’
Kiwis Clinch The Champions Trophy Final Spot
Black Caps established a record for the biggest-ever Champions Trophy total of 362/6, courtesy of breathtaking centuries from Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) then steadied the ship in reply with a 105-run second-wicket partnership. But New Zealand spinners, who were spearheaded by Mitchell Santner (3/43), tightened their hold and took South Africa to 312/9 in their 50 overs. With this win, New Zealand secured their spot in Sunday’s final against India, which will be held in Dubai.
