WORLD CUP FRENEMIES: DAVID MILLER VS RASHID KHAN

It was only a few months ago that David Miller and Rashid Khan sat together in the home change room of the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The pair, of course, are teammates at the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, where they have both played pivotal roles in helping the new franchise to one IPL title and a runners-up medal within its first two years of inception.

They were particularly electrifying in the 2022 season when they scripted an incredible victory over Chennai Super Kings with Miller smashing an unbeaten 51-ball 94 and Rashid 40 off 21 deliveries.

But the pair are not only teammates, but also good friends with Rashid calling the South African southpaw “Killer Miller” for his ability to destroy any bowling attack.

Equally, Miller is always heaping praise on Rashid, especially for his bowling efforts that he feels is “unbelievable” due to his consistency.

However, the duo will have to put the friendship aside for a few hours today when they return to their favourite stomping ground when they line-up for the Proteas and Afghanistan in an ICC World Cup clash.

Miller is certainly looking forward to turning out at his IPL home.

“I've played a few games here with Gujarat Titans and had the pleasure of playing in front of a full-packed house here. It's a place that you kind of want to play cricket. It's a great facility, nice wickets, good outfield, and if it's a full-packed house tomorrow, I really hope it is. But it's always a good spectacle here at this ground,” he said.

It is, of course, not the first time the pair will be on opposing sides in a high-profile clash. They were the first two captains to spin the coin in the opening match of the inaugural Betway SA20 Season 1 at Newlands last season.

Rashid captained the home team, MI Cape Town, while Miller led the neighbouring Paarl Royals.

But even back then their admiration for each other could not be contained.

“I’d much rather play with Rashid than against him. I’d rather have him on my side to be honest,” Miller conceded.

Although Miller was clear that when the first ball gets bowled, then it's business as usual.

“For me , when you cross the line, you always want to win no matter who it's against. We’ll always have that friendship off the field, but everyone is a professional sportsman here, and competitive, so we’ll just have to separate it for a bit,” he added.

So, the battle lines have been drawn in this crucial World Cup clash, especially for Afghanistan who still stand a mathematical chance of qualifying for the semi-finals should they beat the Proteas, but when all is said and done, be sure that Miller and Rashid will be catching up on the good times they have shared together in the Narendra Modi Stadium.