CT IPL Flashback: A Killer Miller special 38-ball century against RCB

Nearly 4 years ago, David Miller decided to make the 51st match of the edition a day that went down as one of the greatest days in IPL history. There had already been 3 centurions in the tournament before him, including Gayle who had scored 100 off 30, the fastest century in T20s. And, Miller’s stellar 38-ball century is just as extraordinary in terms of impact and till date, it remains the 3rd fastest century in IPL. It was RCB that had to bear the brunt of Killer Miller’s absolute carnage at Mohali this time.

After Bangalore v Pune, Gayle’s hammering “scared” the Pune Warriors for a long time. But, this time it was RCB’s turn to feel what it was like to be hit left, right and centre by an absolute beastly, yet beautiful innings. Miller’s father had given Miller Jr. a word of advice, “If it’s in the V, it’s in the tree and if it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park,” and boy, the ‘V’ sure was adorned by Miller’s mastery!

The total of 190 set by the Royal Challengers, would have been enough on any other day. But 6th May 2013 had Miller written all over it. It didn’t matter if Pujara had scored 51, or Gayle fired with a 61, even AB de Villiers’ quick 38 was not meant to be match-winning. Because, the next innings saw Miller take on every RCB bowler with ease. Be it, Vinay Kumar, Chris Gayle or RP Singh, David was hell-bent on treating them with brutality as they saw over 15 deliveries, including 8 fours and eight sixes, touch the boundary.

He was the fourth batsman in the line-up. His side was in a spot of bother at 51/3 in 7.4 overs. Gurkeerat Singh was the only batsman who was able to touch the 20-run mark, everyone else had been dismissed for less than that. It looked like dire straits for them but hope for the Kings XI Punjab was not lost until both the Davids, Miller and Hussey got together. However, Hussey was sent back to pavilion at 13, with Miller left alone to continue his job. He took upon himself the responsibility to demolish the Royal Challengers Bangalore, single handedly.

Rising to the occasion

This knock was unexpected when it comes to the intensity it offered, but the fact that Miller was capable of it and was threatening to do something like that is not one we can ignore. This particular knock was long coming, and the Royal Challengers were chosen as the side that had to witness it all. But, this time in a winning cause.

He had scored half centuries in close chases against the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, but they ended in the losing cause. Previously, he was Man of the Match when Kings XI chased 186 in Mohali against Pune Warriors when he scored 80 off 41. He also guided the Team home in a rather tricky chase against Delhi Daredevils with an unbeaten 34.

A pinch of luck

The third fastest century did not come without a bit of luck, though. He was dropped by RCB skipper, Virat Kohli in the 14th over, but that doesn’t overshadow one of the greatest IPL knocks in the history of the league. R Sathish too, inspired by Miller’s aggression and lofting, decided to hit some handy, 27 runs. He didn’t shy away from admitting the same as he said, “I was just looking to go straight. I was a bit lucky when Virat dropped me. It was a big total to get but it was also a good effort from Sathish.”

A slog down the ground, and the ball was darting towards Kohli at extra cover. He was in the position to catch it, but as he waited for it to come down and in the process of it reaching his hands, it burst through his hands and went onto his face and hit him on the mouth. It left an already fuming captain, in an absolute tizzy. Even from de Villiers, the man with the safest hands, a misfield was inevitable when Miller was in charge. The fellow South-African was stationed at deep mid-wicket to keep a hold on the fluid runs that came off Miller’s bat. But all in vain, as he pulled to him and de Villers fumbled and allowed two instead of a single. That one run got the Kings one inch closer to the total.

A (k)night to remember

Having reduced Kings XI to 64 for 4 at the halfway stage, with David Hussey among those dismissed, Royal Challengers would have been confident of victory after setting up a good total of 190. Things got even better as their bowlers did well to restrict the Kings XI for 64 for 4. Their local lads had walked back to the dressing room and Marsh and Hussey failed to keep up with the chase too. The remaining line-up didn’t quite encourage the Kings’ dug out to be hopeful either. Whereas, it was all good at the Royal Challengers’.

But, the happiness was momentary. Things had reversed. It was the Kings’ time to be cheering and applauding, for the Killer was out there, doing what he does best, slaying the opposition on the field. H kept their own chance of qualifying for the play-offs very much alive and inflicted the same fear for the Royal Challengers Bangalore that they caused the Pune Warriors to feel once.

David Miller stood there, fighting like a warrior, like a knight in shining armour for his Kings’ as he did the unimaginable and made it a night to remember.