The second semi-final of the ongoing ODI World Cup was held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where Australia and South Africa faced off with South Africa winning the toss and electing to bat first. The tough conditions at Eden Gardens favoured both seamers and spinners initially, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood making early strides for Australia. South Africa were left struggling at four down for just 24 runs on the board.
After a rain break, David Miller and Heinrich Claassen put together a vital 95-run partnership, taking advantage of Adam Zampa's poor bowling. However, Travis Head's accurate bowling disrupted South Africa's stability as he took two wickets in one over. Miller then combined with Gerard Coetzee to add another 53 runs for the seventh wicket.
Miller's heroic century, which included eight fours and five sixes, helped South Africa to a total of 213 in 49.4 overs.
Chasing the target, Australian openers David Warner and Travis Head got off to a great start with both hitting the boundaries frequently, scoring 60 runs in the first six overs. Head performed well, scoring 62 off 48 balls, before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj. Australia lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, thanks to the brilliant spin-bowling duo of Keshav and Tabraiz Shamsi. But veteran batter Steven Smith stayed strong and played a vital 30-run knockout. , formed an important partnership with Josh Inglis, who also scored an important 28 runs knock.
In the end, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins stitched a crucial 22-run partnership for the eighth wicket to win the match for their team as Australia won the game by three wickets to enter the final of the event.
Here's how 'X' reacted to Australia's win over South Africa:
What a terrific game of cricket we witnessed!
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) November 16, 2023
Australia hold their nerves 🙌
Tough luck South Africa 🇿🇦
I recognise you now. From the last 5 games, you are telling us how we are going to lose the next match. Then the next match. I like your perseverance. But I don’t particularly like your obsession with India. 😏 https://t.co/qfCBCMiyxp
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 16, 2023
Melbourne ki bade stadium Wali ye Australiai team kheleigi us se bhi bade Ahmedabad ke stadium mein Bharat ke sath final mein. Well done Australia. #AUSvsSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 16, 2023
Great fight by SA after getting 212, needed everything to go their way and stick. Top knock by Miller.
— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) November 16, 2023
Aus know how to win the big ones. Just got it done.#CWC2023
It’s not a time for Africa. Unfortunately
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 16, 2023
Congratulations to Australia on reaching to the World Cup Final! 🏏 Tough match I felt SA were 30-40 runs short, but a thrilling game nonetheless.
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) November 16, 2023
Excited for the final clash, India vs Australia. Let's make it a cracker! #WorldCup #IndvsAus
Australia will be facing india in the finals
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 16, 2023
Australia holds their ground against South Africa securing a finals berth! Congratulations 👏 South Africa bowled well, but their total wasn’t enough.#CWC23 #AusvSa
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) November 16, 2023
Good game that .. great effort by the lads 👏
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) November 16, 2023
What a terrific game of cricket we witnessed!
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) November 16, 2023
Australia hold their nerves 🙌
Tough luck South Africa 🇿🇦
What is it with Australia and South Africa in #CWC semi-finals? Congratulations to both outfits an amazing contest between two very combative teams. #AUSvSA
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 16, 2023
What a knock from @DavidMillerSA12 !! Feel for South Africa but must give it to Aussies for their fighting spirit , it will be their 8th final !!
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) November 16, 2023
Well done Australia!!
It will be a cracker of a final !! #WorldCup2023india
Congratulations Australia on making it to yet another World Cup final 👏🏾 A hard fought win against a valiant bowling effort by South Africa. #AusvSA #CWC23
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 16, 2023
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