It’s another World Cup and another heartbreak for South Africa, who had a flying start in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. South Africa, commonly known as the Chokers in Cricket, got another heartbreak in the ICC event as they lost to Australia in the semifinal. Australia won the thrilling game by 3 wickets and eliminated South Africa to reach the grand finale.
However, both teams featured in a very competitive match at the famous Eden Garden. But Australia won the match in the end, which has taken them to their eighth World Cup final. Meanwhile, South Africa lost their fifth semifinal today, and the final remains a dream for the Proteas.
Match Report
Winning the toss, the South African captain opted to bat first. But due to the high aggression of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, South Africa had a nightmare in starting their innings. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood had fantastic opening spells, which forced South African batters to give their wickets continuously. As a result of their ruthless bowling, the Proteas were four wickets down in just 24 runs.
It seemed the Proteas would lose all their wickets before 100 runs. But David Miller played a vital role in the middle order. His partnership with Heinrich Klaasen added 95 runs on the scoreboard. Although Klaasen lost his wicket to Travis Head after scoring 47, David Miller got his century. He scored a much-needed 101 runs before Pat Cummins picked his wicket.
After that, the remaining batters of South Africa couldn’t even stand in the crease in front of Aussie bowlers. Eventually, they became all-out in 212 runs. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins got three wickets each, while Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head picked up two wickets respectively to tie up South Africa.
Chasing the target, Australia made a flying start. Travis Head and David Warner were very aggressive against the Protea bowlers, picking up 60 runs in just six overs. However, Aiden Markram gave a breakthrough as he picked up David Warner in the 6.1 overs. Mitchell Marsh, the following batsman, also failed to stay longer on the crease. But Travis Head didn’t miss his half-century.
However, South African bowlers made this match very challenging for Australia when Keshav Maharaj bowled out Travis Head in the 14.1 over, who scored the highest 62 runs for Australia. Following the departure of Head, Australia were under tremendous pressure. Australia lost Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne between 133 to 137 runs.
At this point, South Africa were controlling the game. But Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins played a very important role in the lower order. Due to their patience and responsibility, Australia chased the target in 47.2 with three wickets in their hands.
In the end, Australia won the semifinal by three wickets and have reached the final of the World Cup. They will face India, the host, on Sunday in the Grand Finale of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.
