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Xtra Time Web Desk: South African star batter David Miller said his team's hop to Dubai and back to Lahore for semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was "not ideal". 

Australia and South Africa both had to fly to Dubai from Pakistan ahead of the semi-finals. South Africa were there for less than 24 hours before returning to Pakistan without playing a game hence the schedule was tiring for the players.

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After facing a heavy defeat to New Zealand on Wednesday by 50 runs, Millar stated "It's only an hour and 40 minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal."

"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."

"It's not like we flew five hours, and we had enough time to recover and recuperate, but it was not an ideal situation still."

Batting first, New Zealand posted the highest total of 362 for 6 on the board with Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra smashing centuries. Coming to chase, it was never easy for South Africa. Although Miller smashed a 67-ball 100 not out but couldn't stop South Africa being eliminated from the tournament. 

"It's not easy chasing 360 even if it's a good wicket," said Miller, who struck four sixes and 10 fours in his seventh ODI hundred.

"I think the wicket just deteriorated as the game went on and they spun the ball a lot more than us," said Miller.

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"It's just they got a little bit more purchase out of the wicket."

Predicting a "great" final, Millar added, "I'll be honest with you, I think I'll be supporting New Zealand."