Miller and Brevis Counter-Attack Powers South Africa to 187 Before Kishan’s Early Exit

AHMEDABAD — In a high-stakes Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa recovered from a disastrous start to post a competitive 187 for 7, led by a counter-attacking partnership between veteran David Miller and young sensation Dewald Brevis. India’s response began on a shaky note as opener Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, continuing a turbulent run of form at the top of the order.

Proteas Recover from Bumrah’s Early Strikes

The innings began with Jasprit Bumrah displaying immense control and precision. The Indian spearhead dismantled the South African top order, reducing the Proteas to a precarious 20 for 3 inside the first four overs. Bumrah’s opening spell figures read 2 wickets for just 7 runs, utilizing the seam movement available on the black-soil strip.

Bumrah finished with exceptional figures of 3/15 in his four overs, bowling 12 dot balls—effectively two maiden overs in a T20 contest. He was well-supported initially by Arshdeep Singh, who claimed 2/28, keeping the pressure on the visitors.

Miller and Brevis Launch Counter-Offensive

With South Africa in trouble, David Miller and Dewald Brevis staged a brutal recovery. The duo added 97 runs in just 8.2 overs, aggressively targeting the middle-over spin.

• David Miller: Scored a crucial 63 off 35 balls, combining experience with power.
• Dewald Brevis: Contributed a swift 45 off 29 balls.
• Targeting Spin: Spinner Varun Chakravarthy bore the brunt of the assault, conceding 1/47 in his four overs as the batters cleared the ropes half a dozen times between them.

Just as the Ahmedabad pitch appeared to flatten out for the stroke makers, both set batters were dismissed. However, Tristan Stubbs ensured the momentum stayed with South Africa, smashing an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls. Stubbs finished the innings with a flourish, hitting two massive sixes off Hardik Pandya’s final two deliveries to push the total past 185.

India’s Chase: Kishan Fails Again

India’s pursuit of 188 got off to the worst possible start. Facing Aiden Markram in the first over, Ishan Kishan attempted a slog sweep against a slower off-break that drifted away. Misreading the turn, Kishan skied the ball to cover, where Ryan Rickelton completed a clean catch.

Kishan’s dismissal for zero contrasts with his opening partner Abhishek Sharma, who managed 15 runs. Sharma had struggled previously in the group stages—registering ducks against the USA, Pakistan, and the Netherlands—but managed to get off the mark in this crucial Super 8 encounter.

Match Statistical Snapshot

The total of 187 presents a challenging chase on a surface that has shown variable bounce, with the spinners coming into play during the middle phase.

For official scorecards and tournament statistics, visit the International Cricket Council (ICC) or BCCI Official Website.