David Miller reflects on heartbreaking dismissal in T20 World Cup final loss to India

South African batter David Miller has opened up about the emotional toll of his dismissal in the final over of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 against India.

Miller was the last hope for South Africa, needing 16 runs to win the tournament. However, a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav off Hardik Pandya's bowling ended the Proteas' hopes.

Reflecting on the moment, Miller admitted to feeling a range of emotions: “Pretty hard to explain, but yeah, I suppose anger is probably one of them. Frustration, disappointment, failure, all these negative things come into your head. I watch a lot of different sports and they always talk about the moment to win the game."

“And I suppose that was the moment to win the game. And it wasn’t to be for me. I took it pretty hard. I felt like I had let the country down, I had let myself and my teammates down. I almost just didn’t want to walk off the field,” he added.

Miller also addressed the shot he attempted, stating that he was caught off guard by the full toss but believes he could have executed it better. “No, I wouldn’t have, other than maybe getting a little bit better contact. I wasn’t actually expecting a full toss like that. I always do have a full toss in mind, but it caught me a little off guard and I got it just slightly wrong. But it was a little breeze that was kind of coming across us, not necessarily into us, more slightly in and across."

The dismissal marked a heartbreaking end to South Africa's campaign, but Miller's candid reflection provides insight into the mental challenges faced by athletes in high-pressure situations.