Background
It’s time for the second Semi-Final, where cricketing powerhouses Australia and South Africa will clash at Eden Gardens!
This encounter is more than just a match; it’s a chapter in the intense rivalry these two cricketing giants have scripted over the years. In seven World Cup encounters, they stand level with three victories each, with the unforgettable 1999 semi-final ending in a nail-biting tie. Australia, however, also holds the 2007 semi-final triumph over South Africa.
As both teams have displayed an exciting brand of cricket throughout the tournament, this semi-final promises to be an exciting contest.
Team Preview
South Africa- South Africa arrives at the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final stage with a dominating presence, dismantling seven of their nine opponents. Despite encountering hurdles against the powerhouse host India and a surprising upset to the Dutch, the Proteas have proven their mettle. They have beaten giants like Australia, England, and New Zealand with huge margins.
Batting first has been South Africa’s forte, as evidenced by all their wins in this fashion, boasting impressive victories with margins exceeding 100 runs in five matches. While their chasing record has seen a few bumps, they clinched crucial victories against Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As the Proteas stand on the cusp of history, reaching their farthest point in a World Cup for the fifth time, the semi-final presents the most formidable challenge. Overcoming this hurdle is crucial as they aim to break the “chokers” tag, setting their sights on a maiden World Cup final appearance against the favourite India.
Australia- Australia, the eternal juggernauts of ICC tournaments, find themselves in familiar territory, gearing up for their record 8th World Cup semi-final. With an illustrious history, the Aussies have triumphed in the semi-final challenge on seven occasions, succumbing only once in the 2019 edition.
After facing early setbacks with losses to India and South Africa, doubts arose about Australia’s journey to the semi-finals. However, displaying their trademark resilience, the Aussies made a remarkable comeback, embarking on a seven-match winning streak that silenced critics and solidified their presence in the knockout stage, after starting the tournament 0-2.
As they prepare to face South Africa, Australia aims to add another chapter to their storied World Cup legacy. With the prospect of a 6th World Cup title on the horizon, the team stands as a testament to their supremacy in the format, showcasing why they are considered head and shoulders above every other nation in the cricketing world.
Match Prediction
The two South African spinners will pose many challenges to the Aussie batsmen and pending weather could see changes to the Australian lineup. Whoever wins the toss will be heavy favourites for the match as stats show batting first goes a long way to winning before the game even starts. But the poor South African semi-final form will continue as Cummins and his men will make their way to the final against India.
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