Aus vs Sa Highlights: Australia clinched a nail-biting win against South Africa by three wickets in the ICC World Cup 2023’s second semi-final at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
The Aussies, aiming for their sixth World Cup title, are now geared up to face India in the much-awaited final on November 19 in Ahmedabad, anticipated to draw over 100,000 spectators.
Starting strong, Australia maintained a steady pace, clocking a rate of 7 runs per over. Although losing wickets at intervals, Travis Head’s resilience kept the momentum going against South Africa’s bowlers.
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However, the Aussies faced a challenge against spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, resulting in critical wickets in the middle overs. Gerald Coetzee furthered the pressure, taking out key batters Steve Smith and Josh Inglis. But Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins steered their team to victory, overcoming a tense chase to reach the target in 47.2 overs, with Head top-scoring at 62 runs.
South Africa, batting first, struggled against Australia’s bowlers from the start. Losing early wickets, including skipper Temba Bavuma and the in-form Quinton de Kock, they found themselves at 24-4 in 11.5 overs.
Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller salvaged the innings with a crucial 95-run partnership. Despite Klaasen’s dismissal by Travis Head and Marco Jansen’s quick exit, Miller fought on, securing a hard-fought century with eight fours and five sixes before his eventual dismissal at 101 runs.
The Proteas were all out for 212 runs in 49.4 overs, a result of an impressive bowling performance by Australia’s trio – Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins – who collectively took eight wickets.
