KOLKATA – Australia beat South Africa by three wickets with 16 balls remaining in the second semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
South Africa set an easy target of 213 runs for Australia in the semi-final and Australia finished the game in 47.2 overs at the loss of 7 wickets.
The Proteas’ start was disastrous as they lost four wickets in early blow for just 24 runs as skipper Temba Bavuma fell for duck and Quinton de Kock was dismissed for three runs.
Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram were removed for six and 10 runs respectively. At this stage, David Miller took the charge and smashed a century to boost the total but no other player could perform well in the match as South Africa were bowled out for 212 in last over with two ball spare to play.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first against Aussies in the crucial match.
Kangaroos and Proteas are in a rich vein of form ahead of Thursday’s clash and will look to seal the final spot in the leading ICC event.
Cummins-led squad and Bavuma-led side are known rivals, with a history of noted clashes in World Cup editions. Today’s game awaits in Kolkata, and fans are already excited as both sides are evenly matched teams of the highest quality.
S. Africa and Australia lost twice during the CWC23 group stage, with the former falling to Men in Blue and Australia losing to Proteas as well as Rohit Sharma led India.
Dynamics have been changed now as Australia coming to the semi-final with new approach and confidence. Glenn Maxwell, who created history against Afghanistan, and ones like Adam Zampa make Australia a strong competitor.
African side is also planning a strong match but is worried about the legacy of five-time champions Australia while Proteas never progressed beyond the semifinals of the tournament.
South Africa and Australia have vast experience of facing each other in the World Cup and have won three matches apiece.
Australia vs South Africa Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
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