South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, halting India’s 18-match winning run in ICC white-ball events. David Miller, South Africa’s veteran batter, attributed the victory to focusing on simplicity and performing under pressure.

Miller said, “That they are beatable, India come with as I mentioned an incredible team, But I think for us in a tournament like this, it’s about making sure that we do, as I said, I keep going back to the simple things and making sure that we stay in our lane as a player and do the job and get the job done.

We’re a mature team. A lot of guys have played together, and a lot of cricket for South Africa, and that goes a long way under pressure. So I think it’s just staying in your lane, making sure that you get the job done and keep wanting more.”

Miller praised South Africa’s bowlers for executing well, particularly highlighting paceman Lungi Ngidi’s slower deliveries and veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj’s tactical variations against India’s strong batting lineup, despite facing six left-handers. Maharaj’s composed spell included three wickets in six balls, including Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh, shifting momentum in South Africa’s favour.

Ngidi bowled economically, conceding only 15 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 3.80. Miller said, “I mean, it is difficult. As I said, the guys executed really, really well. I thought they changed up quite a lot. Lungi Ngidi is coming in and bowling a lot of slow balls. Found that the Indian batting lineup is really dangerous. Keshav Maharaj. I mean, he’s an experienced player, he’s bowled a lot of overs his life and been in pressured situations, and it is difficult to come in and bowl to six lefties, but I thought he did so well.

He changed it up, different lines around the wicket, all that kind of stuff and then the pace guys also got through the lefties. So it is an intimidating batting lineup, but slowly but surely, we got through them.”

Batting first, South Africa posted 187 for seven, with Miller contributing 63 and Dewald Brevis 45 in a 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Tristan Stubbs added an unbeaten 44. For India, Arshdeep Singh (2/28), Jasprit Bumrah (3/15), Varun Chakravarthy (1/47) and Shivam Dube (1/32) claimed wickets.

In response, India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, with no batter reaching fifty. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42. South Africa’s attack saw Aiden Markram (1/5), Marco Jansen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24) and Corbin Bosch (2/12) deliver excellent performances to secure a comprehensive victory over the defending champions.

In response, India were bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, with no batter reaching fifty. Shivam Dube top-scored with 42. South Africa’s attack saw Aiden Markram (1/5), Marco Jansen (4/22), Keshav Maharaj (3/24) and Corbin Bosch (2/12) deliver excellent performances to secure a comprehensive victory over the defending champions.