‘I think he can play Test cricket easily’ - Wasim Akram heaps praise on David Miller after gritty ton in World Cup semi-final

Wasim Akram was effusive in his praise for David Miller, who scored a fighting ton on a tricky Eden Gardens pitch on Thursday, November 16, against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Proteas were in all sorts of trouble at 24/4 in the 12th over when Miller walked out to bat. The southpaw stitched a crucial 95-run partnership alongside Heinrich Klaasen to help South Africa get into a decent position.

However, wickets kept falling from the other end at regular intervals and the onus was on Miller to take his team to a fighting total. The 34-year-old did that as his 101-run knock off 116 balls helped South Africa post a decent total of 212. That eventually didn't prove enough, but Miller's effort didn't go unnoticed. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram opined that the destructive batter, who has always been considered a white-ball specialist, has the ability to play Test cricket.

"Mostly David Miller was known for his power-hitting in the lower order. But after today's game, I think he can play Test cricket easily. He has got his confidence going on a difficult pitch. When he went out South Africa were 4 down for very few runs. Killer Miller came and grinded it out in the semi-final," Wasim Akram said on A Sports after the semi-final.

I have not seen many innings like that: Misbah-ul-Haq

Another former Pakistan captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, said that he hadn't seen many innings like the one Miller played and lauded him for dominating the Aussie bowlers, who had their tails up after the excellent opening burst.

"I have not seen many innings like that. He dragged the match back and dominated the Australian bowlers and got South Africa to a reasonable total is incredible. Klaasen and Miller's partnership gave them hope," Misbah said.

Australia scratched and clawed their way to the target of 213 with three wickets and 16 balls to spare. They will now face India in the summit clash on Sunday, November 19 in Ahmedabad.

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