Two stellar performances in two outings have helped South Africa attain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The team had an optional practice session here at the Eden Gardens but they left no stone unturned in their preparations in the build up to the final T20I. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel too joined the team in their drills just to get their feet up and running before the five-match ODI series. Although the team has wrapped up the series, South Africa middle-order batsman David Miller said the team was keen as ever to make it three in a row.
“It is a great feeling to be coming to Kolkata 2-0 up in the series. We are determined to make it 3-0,” he said. “Momentum and confidence is a big thing in international cricket. Our preparations have been really good. If you prepare well, obviously you go into the game with a lot of trust and confidence. We have been trying to check all the boxes. Hopefully we come out on top tomorrow.”
It has been an all-round show in both T20Is by South Africa. The batsmen chased down a total of 200 in the first T20I and in the next game bundled India out for just 92. Miller said the IPL had played a huge role in getting used to conditions in India. “We have come out on top against India. I think the IPL has helped not only the foreign players but the younger guys from India as well. It has definitely helped the South African players to get used to the conditions in India. We are feeling a lot more at home.”
Miller who has played many games being a part of the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL also assessed the conditions at the Eden Gardens with a lot of certainty. “I think it's a bit slower and lower and as the innings goes on it become a bit tougher to clear the ropes. It's just about selecting the right ball to attack. Fortunately, the boundary ropes are a bit smaller here so it becomes easier to clear. As I said, picking the right ball to execute your shots is the key in this venue. It's a very special ground. It's a ground with a lot of history and players want to do well here. I have always want to do well in India.”
Looking forward and putting the forthcoming T20 World Cup into perspective, Miller believed the T20 series win would augur well for the team. “This series win is really big. We came here with a lot of expectations to do well. We have put a lot of pressure on us to perform. It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward coming close to the World Twenty20.”
