David Miller played a sensational knock at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, September 27, as South Africa’s experienced middle-order batter smashed a record-breaking century against Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series.

Coming into the contest after a quiet outing in the series opener, Miller responded in spectacular fashion. He struck 144 runs off 93 balls, combining power, timing and calculated aggression to turn South Africa’s innings around after the hosts had lost three wickets for 93 runs.

David Miller and Temba Bavuma rescue South Africa

South Africa were under pressure early in their innings at the Wanderers. Australia made regular breakthroughs before Miller joined captain Temba Bavuma at the crease.

The pair completely changed the momentum of the innings.

Miller and Bavuma put together a massive 156-run partnership, allowing South Africa to recover and build a formidable total. Bavuma also reached three figures, scoring 103, while Miller accelerated dramatically during the latter stages of his innings.

Miller’s 144 included nine sixes and 12 fours, underlining the explosive nature of his knock. His innings eventually helped South Africa post 365/9 in 50 overs, leaving Australia with a huge target to chase.

Miller registers his eighth ODI century

The century was Miller’s eighth in ODI cricket, but its significance went beyond simply adding another hundred to his career tally.

Four of Miller’s eight ODI centuries have now come against Australia. That puts him second among South African batters for ODI hundreds against the Australians, with former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis ahead with five. Miller also has an outstanding record against Australia, having accumulated more than 1,100 ODI runs against them.

The knock was particularly impressive considering Miller had been dismissed for only nine runs in the opening ODI. He responded in the best possible manner, taking on Australia’s attack at one of the world’s most recognised batting venues.

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A new ODI record at no. 5 or below

Miller’s century also moved him into elite company for batting performances from the lower middle order.

With his eighth ODI hundred while batting at No. 5 or lower, Miller matched England’s Jos Buttler for the most centuries in this position in ODI cricket. Former India stars MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh are next on the list with seven each.

He also reached his 31st 50-plus score while batting at No. 5 or lower for South Africa, moving beyond the previous national record held by Jonty Rhodes, who had 30 such scores.

Miller’s numbers against Australia helps in explaining why the matchup has become such a productive one for him. Before this latest innings, he had already scored three ODI centuries against Australia and averaged more than 57 in 28 matches against them.

His recent hundred has only strengthened that reputation.

Miller himself previously described Australia as a team he enjoys facing, noting that competing against high-quality opponents pushes players to raise their standards.

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