When it comes to South African cricket, there’s always drama. But this time, it wasn’t a run-out mix-up or a rain-ruined chase — it was airline miles.
David Miller, the Proteas’ middle-order powerhouse, was South Africa’s lone warrior in their Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand, smashing a 100 off 67 balls. But after the match, Miller’s fireworks with the bat were quickly overshadowed by his fireworks off the field.
The target of his frustration? The tournament’s bizarre travel schedule — a logistical puzzle only the ICC could concoct.
“It’s only an hour and 40 minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal,” Miller said after South Africa’s exit from the tournament.
That single line sums up the Proteas’ mood after yet another semi-final heartbreak, this time by 50 runs to New Zealand in Lahore. But let’s rewind to the absurd travel itinerary that left the squad jet-lagged, sleep-deprived, and — in Miller’s case — just plain annoyed.
A Semi-Final Detour (For No Reason)
South Africa wrapped up their final group match in Karachi on Saturday, packed their bags, and flew to Dubai on Sunday. Why Dubai? Because the ICC, in all its wisdom, decided that South Africa might face India in the semi-finals — and India, refusing to play in Pakistan, was based entirely in the UAE.
Simple enough? Not quite. India beat New Zealand, meaning the Proteas were sent straight back to Lahore — without even playing a game in Dubai. Essentially, South Africa took an international red-eye for no reason.
Miller summed it up with his trademark bluntness:
“It’s early morning, it’s after a game and we had to fly. Then we got to Dubai at 4:00 pm. And at 7:30 am we had to come back. It doesn’t make it nice.”
There are weekend brunches that last longer than South Africa’s stay in Dubai. They could’ve at least grabbed some duty-free chocolate.
‘It Was Not Ideal’: David Miller Criticises Champions Trophy Scheduling After Semi-Final Loss to New Zealand
Miller, not one to mince words, made it crystal clear after the match — the chaotic travel didn’t just hurt their sleep cycles, it affected their performance.
“It’s not like we flew five hours and had time to recover. It was not ideal,” Miller said.
In cricket, teams prepare meticulously for big matches. They focus on recovery, strategy sessions, and maybe a quick poolside pep talk. What they don’t expect is to spend the day before a semi-final playing airport hopscotch.
This wasn’t just inconvenient — it was the travel equivalent of reverse swing in the 90th over.
The Game Itself — Miller vs. New Zealand (and the Laws of Physics)
Despite the travel circus, David Miller nearly dragged South Africa to an improbable win. His swashbuckling 100 not out kept the dream alive until the final overs.
New Zealand, however, had other plans — with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both smashing centuries to set a towering 362/6. South Africa’s chase ended at 312/9, but not before Miller entertained every fan in Lahore (and possibly Dubai airport staff).
“It’s not easy chasing 360 even if it’s a good wicket,” Miller admitted.
Even harder when you’ve barely unpacked your kitbag.
A Scheduling Nightmare with Political Undertones
The root of this absurd scheduling was India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, resulting in a bizarre split tournament where some games were in Pakistan and others in Dubai. To accommodate potential matchups, the Proteas were sent on their now-infamous round trip, which felt more like a cruel cricket-themed episode of Amazing Race.
Coach Rob Walter echoed Miller’s frustration but was quick to praise his squad’s effort.
“You’ll never question the effort of the guys,” Walter said.
It’s just hard to bowl yorkers when your body thinks it’s still in Dubai.
David Miller – Lone Warrior, Accidental Travel Blogger
Despite the chaos, David Miller cemented his status as South Africa’s ultimate clutch player. His 100 off 67 balls was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket — made even more impressive considering he probably spent more time in security checks than in bed.
“I’ll be honest with you, I think I’ll be supporting New Zealand in the final,” Miller joked post-match.
Whether it’s Stockholm Syndrome or genuine appreciation, the Black Caps earned Miller’s respect — and possibly his future fan loyalty.
FAQs
Miller criticized the Champions Trophy’s travel schedule, calling it “not ideal” after the team’s unnecessary Dubai trip.
The ICC required South Africa to relocate in case they faced India, who played all their matches in Dubai.
Miller scored a brilliant 100 off 67 balls, but South Africa still fell short by 50 runs.
New Zealand won by 50 runs, setting up a final against India.
For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries. For South Africa, David Miller’s lone warrior act stood out.
Conclusion
“It’s only an hour and 40 minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal,” Miller said after South Africa’s exit from the tournament.
That line will likely go down in South African cricket folklore — not just as a complaint, but as a symbol of the strange, sleep-deprived, rollercoaster that was Champions Trophy 2025.
David Miller, ever the professional, still delivered on the field, but off it, his honest critique of the ‘It was not ideal’: David Miller criticises Champions Trophy scheduling after semi-final loss to New Zealand will likely resonate with every fan, player, and travel agent who’s ever faced a pointless detour.
The Proteas may be out, but Miller’s words will live on — a reminder that sometimes, it’s not just the cricket that breaks your heart. Sometimes, it’s the boarding pass too.
