South African captain David Miller praised Durbanville Cricket Club opening batsman Janneman Malan, after South Africa defeated Pakistan by seven runs in Sunday’s second Twenty20 International at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Malan replaced the injured Quinton de Kock in the XI – and struck a solid 33 on debut. His stay spanned 31 deliveries – and featured a trio of fours and duo of sixes.
“Malan came in and showed that he belonged here. So really good signs for the Proteas for the future. The talent is definitely there and it’s really rewarding to win this game and not take it down to the last game,” said Miller, who led the side in the absence of the rested Faf du Plessis.
African Warriors Cricket Club all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo also impressed. Phehlukwayo completed telling figures of three for 36, as the tourists were limited to 181 for seven in pursuit of a challenging 189-run target.
“Andile has just going from strength to strength. He’s bowled incredibly well. He bowled well in the ODIs, and now he’s just continuing with that momentum, and maturity as well. He’s got a level head and lots of variations, and he really pulled them out tonight,” added Miller.
South Africa’s success in the shortest format of the international game is helping preparation for the World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year. They will soon face Sri Lanka in more limited-overs competition, before travelling to England and Wales for a string of key World Cup fixtures.
Miller will be key throughout, as insisted by former Proteas fast bowler Allan Donald recently, especially since batsman AB de Villiers’ 2018 retirement.
“If you look at where AB has left us, Miller is absolutely key for South Africa at this World Cup,” Donald told Sport24.
“I would but I think the rest of the world hopes that AB doesn’t make a last minute U-turn and avail himself for Cricket World Cup selection. I read that AB said he would sit down with Cricket South Africa, but I can’t see de Villiers returning to the international fold for South Africa.”
The online cricket betting South Africa fans will know full well that contests will be tight in England. The tournament hosts and India are among the favourites, while the Proteas, New Zealand, Australia, and Pakistan are also in contention, of course.
The West Indies, too, having won two World Twenty20s and the recent recipients of a historic Test series win over England, are in the running as well.