In a thrilling encounter at Eden Gardens, Australia clashed with South Africa in the second semifinal of the World Cup 2023. The stakes were high as the winner would earn the right to face unbeaten India in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 18.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that seemed to backfire as their formidable batting lineup struggled against the Australian bowlers. Despite being batting giants throughout the round-robin stage, South Africa could only muster 212 runs in 49.4 overs.
David Miller’s valiant century, scoring 101 went in vain as the rest of the batting order failed to make significant contributions. Heinrich Klaasen was the next-best scorer with 47, but the Australian bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc with figures of 3 for 34, dominated the proceedings. Pat Cummins also picked up three wickets but conceded 51 runs, while Josh Hazlewood’s spell of 2-12 in 8 overs became the limelight moment of the day.
When it was Australia’s turn to chase, they got off to a good start with opener Travis Head contributing 62 runs. The rest of the batting lineup put in decent but below 50 contributions, ultimately leading Australia to a hard-fought victory by three wickets with 16 balls to spare. The South African bowlers, led by Gerald Coetzee and Tabraiz Shamsi with two wickets each, put up a spirited effort. Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Aiden Markram also chipped in with one wicket apiece.
With this victory, Australia set up a tantalizing final clash against unbeaten India at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 18. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two cricketing powerhouses in what promises to be an epic finale to the World Cup 2023.
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