One of the most historied World Cup rivalries. Plenty of battles within a battle. Both the teams have several match-winners. Who will rise to the occasion though? Who will face off against India for eternal glory? It is the second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and we have South Africa facing off against Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The toss took place under the overcast conditions, and South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first.
FOLLOW LIVE HERE: SA vs AUS Live Score, ICC World Cup 2023 Semi-final
The rule of thumb in any ODI World Cup is to never rule out the Aussies. Because no matter what, the five-time champions have this perennial thirst for vengeance and victory coursing through their veins at all times.
When it seemed like the world had counted them out after their first two losses early into the competition, their hidden gear kicked in and the Australian side came out and showed everyone why they must be feared, clinching seven straight wins on their way to the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals.
Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.
On the other hand, South Africa may have been dark horses for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the start but the Proteas have stormed at the forefront of title contenders with a stunning show in the ongoing competition.
The ones whose batting order has wreaked absolute havoc, and whose bowling attack is equally terrifying with their pace options. The perennial contenders, yet the expected “chokers”. This is South Africa.
Of the eight cricket World Cups since 1992, they have reached the semi-finals in four, but have never proceeded to the finals. They “choked” in the crucial stages of their matches, especially the semis. This is their ninth cup and they are semi-finalists for the fifth time.
Well, hopefully, sixth time is the charm as the Proteas will take on their dreaded rivals Australia to face off against the undefeated India for a shot at eternal glory.
Captain’s Comments:
Temba Bavuma (SA): We will bat first. Not something I really dreamt of. We have come against a team like Australia in the semi-final. Means a lot to me, there’s a game to focus on. Very important to stay in the present. Need to stick to our processes. Got one change, Shamsi is in for Ngidi.
Pat Cummins (AUS): We would have batted first as well. They play pretty similar style, unfortunately they have won a last few, we are due. We have been in these positions before. We have a lot of experience. We were not up to our best in those couple of games. But guys have been positive in the last seven games. Two changes for us. Stoinis and Abbott are out. Maxwell and Starc are in.
Playing XIs:
South Africa
Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Australia
Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
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