In a thrilling encounter at Eden Gardens, Australia secured their place in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final by defeating South Africa. Australia’s victory sets up a showdown against the host nation India in Sunday’s final, where they have the opportunity to clinch their record sixth Men’s Cricket World Cup title.
Australia took charge with an impressive performance in Kolkata, dismantling South Africa’s top order in the initial overs after opting to bat in challenging conditions. However, David Miller’s magnificent century propelled South Africa to a competitive total of 212 runs.
With a target of 213 runs, reminiscent of the infamous 1999 semi-final between the two nations, Australia began the chase with determination.
Travis Head and David Warner aggressively attacked during the powerplay, but South Africa’s spinners regained control, taking crucial wickets in pivotal moments. The match reached a tense climax as South Africa fought valiantly to find the necessary final wicket, putting Australia’s strength to the test.
Keshav Maharaj (1/24 in 10 overs), Tabraiz Shamsi (2/42), and Gerald Coetzee (2/47) were the standout bowlers for South Africa, creating significant pressure on Australia. However, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins held their nerves, guiding Australia to victory with three wickets and 16 balls remaining.
Earlier, South Africa, under pressure after choosing to bat in the semi-final, struggled against the formidable bowling of Australia. In the 12th over, the score was 24/4 with Temba Bavuma (0), Quinton de Kock (3), Aiden Markram (10), and Rassie van der Dussen (6) dismissed. However, rain interruptions provided South Africa with a chance to regroup. Heinrich Klaasen (47) and Miller ensured a competitive total, with Proteas finishing at 212/9.
Starc (3/34 in 10 overs) and Cummins (3/51 in 9.4 overs) were the leading wicket-takers for Australia. Hazlewood played a crucial role, securing two wickets in eight overs, including the vital wicket of Klaasen.
Semi-Final 2: Australia Defeats South Africa by 3 Wickets Travis Head and David Warner provided a solid start, reaching 60/0 in the first six overs against Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. However, Australia faced a sudden halt as spinners brought the game back to life.
South Africa’s early hopes were fueled by Anrich Nortje, who dismissed Warner for 29 runs in his first over. Kagiso Rabada’s delivery resulted in a spectacular catch by Rassie van der Dussen, sending Mitchell Marsh back without opening his account.
Travis Head’s quick half-century kept Australia ahead, crucial for their progress to the final. However, spinners increased the pressure during the middle overs, making the game an inevitable nail-biter.
Keshav Maharaj provided a breakthrough by dismissing Head for 62 runs off 48 balls. Tabraiz Shamsi added to South Africa’s hope by removing Marnus Labuschagne (18) and Glenn Maxwell (1), bringing the game back into balance.
In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis patiently pulled Australia close to the target. However, Smith’s composed innings ended theatrically when he stumbled on a delivery from Gerald Coetzee, leaving South Africa with a chance.
Another steady partnership brought Australia within touching distance of the goal. Still, Coetzee’s clean bold of Josh Inglis for 28 runs at a crucial juncture provided South Africa with an opportunity, requiring Australia’s bowlers to finish the job with the bat.
The disappointing performance of South Africa, getting all out for 212 runs, wasn’t enough to overcome the semi-final hurdle.
Playing Eleven: South Africa: Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper), Temba Bavuma (Captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerhard Koertzen, 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.
After the decision to bat first in challenging conditions made by Temba Bavuma, Mitchell Starc delivered with the new ball, dismissing the South African captain for a duck in the very first over. Showing good movement and bounce, Starc and Josh Hazlewood made scoring difficult in the initial overs.
In the sixth over, when Quinton de Kock attempted to take on Hazlewood, he found himself caught in the mid-on region. Pat Cummins maintained an excellent performance, especially against the experienced David Warner, who showed no hesitation in throwing himself around the field. Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram faced a challenging situation against Australia’s bowling attack.
However, Stark and Cummins excelled in these conditions. Markram’s attempt to break free resulted in him getting out, and van der Dussen fell in the next over, attempting a shot to the slips. Due to rain interrupting play, South Africa lost four wickets before the game stopped.
Upon resumption, David Miller’s aggressive play disrupted Australia’s plans. He produced several boundaries and sixes, elevating South Africa’s score rapidly. He received good support from Heinrich Klaasen, who played some powerful shots against Adam Zampa. It seemed like South Africa was building towards a fighting total, but Travis Head turned the game around with his part-time spin.
After a complete miss by Klaasen, Head bowled him out clean and dismissed Marco Jansen for a duck in the very next ball, taking a catch behind the stumps. The possibility of South Africa reaching a competitive score depended heavily on Miller, and he responded with a challenging century.
Number six batsman Gerhard Koertzen partnered with Miller, adding 53 runs. However, before Koertzen could make a more significant impact, he got out to Pat Cummins for 19 runs on Mitchell Starc’s delivery. Kagiso Rabada’s big century helped South Africa gain an advantage in the death overs, but Cummins dismissed him for 10 runs, sealing the fate of the innings.
Miller continued his aggressive style, completing his century with a six against the Australian captain. Just two balls after reaching the milestone, he lost his wicket, and with only two overs remaining, South Africa faced late nervousness.
Kagiso Rabada’s significant century aided South Africa in extending their lead in the death overs. However, Cummins dismissed Rabada for 10 runs, securing the win.
