Australia Edges South Africa in Thrilling Semi-Final Clash

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Australia Edges South Africa in Thrilling Semi-Final Clash

Semi-final 2: Australia beat South Africa by 3 wickets

In a nail-biting semi-final encounter at the iconic Eden Gardens, Australia emerged victorious over South Africa, securing a spot in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final. The match was a rollercoaster ride, with both teams battling it out for every run and wicket.

South Africa Struggles Early, Miller Rescues

After electing to bat first, South Africa found themselves under immense pressure as Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, wreaked havoc on the top order. The Proteas were reduced to 24/4 by the 12th over, with Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Rassie van der Dussen all falling cheaply.

A rain delay provided South Africa with a chance to regroup, and they gradually rebuilt their innings through Heinrich Klaasen (47) and David Miller. Miller, in particular, displayed exceptional grit and determination, scoring a valiant 101 from 116 balls to ensure that South Africa had a total to defend.

Australia’s Chase Falters, Spinners Take Charge

Chasing 213, Australia got off to a flying start, with Travis Head and David Warner blazing away in the powerplay. However, South Africa’s spinners, led by Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Gerald Coetzee, began to exert control, slowing down the scoring rate and picking up wickets at regular intervals.

The match swung back and forth, with both teams having their moments. Australia looked to be cruising to victory, but South Africa’s bowlers kept them in the hunt.

Australia Holds Nerve, Secures Victory

In the end, it was Australia’s experience and resilience that prevailed. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, with the bat in hand, steered Australia to victory with three wickets and 16 balls to spare.

A Match of Contrasting Fortunes

The match was a stark contrast in fortunes for the two teams. South Africa, having fought their way back into the contest, fell just short, while Australia, despite their hiccups along the way, held their nerve and emerged victorious.

Australia Eyes Record Sixth World Cup Title

Australia will now face tournament hosts India in the final on Sunday, aiming to become the first team to win six men’s Cricket World Cup titles. India, unbeaten in the tournament thus far, will be a formidable opponent, but Australia has shown their fighting spirit and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.

South Africa vs Australia Playing XIs

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(wk), 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.

Key Takeaways

Australia’s pace attack made early inroads, but South Africa’s David Miller rescued the innings with a brilliant century.

Australia’s chase was disrupted by South Africa’s spinners, but the Aussies held their nerve to secure victory.

Australia will face India in the final, aiming to become the first team to win six men’s Cricket World Cup titles.

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