T20 World Cup 2024: “Gutted” David Miller Reacts After South Africa's Defeat to India in Final

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South Africa batter David Miller has reacted to his team's loss to India in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Barbados, saying that he is "gutted" after the defeat on Saturday (June 29).

After stupendous knocks by Virat Kohli and Axar Patel, a fine exhibition of death bowling by the trio of Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya helped India beat first-time finalists South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final.

On course for a win with 30 needed off 30 balls, South Africa were pegged back and choked into defeat by Bumrah, Pandya and Arshdeep, who conceded just 22 in the next five overs.

While Bumrah changed the run-a-ball equation to 26 off 24 balls, Pandya struck in the very next over to remove the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen for 52 as Miller stood watching his partners depart in quick succession before he himself perished to pressure.

During the last over bowled by Pandya, Miller, known for his finishing and match-winning performances for the Proteas, attempted a big shot when 16 runs were needed from six balls.

However, the ball found Suryakumar Yadav near the boundary, who plucked a remarkable juggling catch to turn the match completely in India's favour with the batters' dismissal for 21 runs.

South Africa could only manage 8 runs in the final over, losing two wickets in the process as the Men in Blue pulled off victory from jaws of defeat to capture their second T20 World Cup title with a seven-run win.

The South African side looked dejected as they went on to collect their runners up medals, and two days later, there is been a first reaction from Miller, who said it's a "tough pill to swallow".

Taking to Instagram, Miller posted on his story, "I am gutted!! Really tough pill to swallow after what transpired 2 days ago. Words don't explain how I am feeling."

The left-handed batter, however, acknowledge the team's journey as Aiden Markram's side became the first South African team to reach a ICC tournament final.

"One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit. This journey was an incredible one, with highs and lows throughout the entire month. We have endured pain, but I know this team has the resilience and will keep raising the bar," Miller added.

Meanwhile, left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi also shared the pain of his teammate with an emotional post on social media, saying silver is not be the same as gold and the defeat still hurts.

"Whether u play badly and lose or play very well and lose, in my books it all counts for nothing because a well played Silver will never be the same as Gold. We gave our all as a team n fought with everything we had and will be back to try again. Still hurts like hell," Shamsi posted on X.