The weather might pose a challenge for Australia in their World Cup semi-final in Kolkata, while it’s the burden of history that presents a hurdle for South Africa as they enter the match aiming to break free from a notorious record of faltering on ODI cricket’s grandest stage.
The rivalry between South Africa and Australia is often marked by an unspoken acknowledgment that the Proteas tend to ‘choke’ in significant matches. Despite holding a superior ODI record against Australia, having won 15 of the past 18 encounters, including a triumph in Lucknow during this tournament, South Africa have never defeated Australia in a World Cup knockout match. They lost against them in the semi-finals in 1999 and 2007.
The match in 1999 saw a dramatic tie at Edgbaston, leading to Australia’s progress based on a superior Super Six stage finish. In 2007, South Africa faced a seven-wicket defeat after being dismissed for just 149 at St Lucia. Now, Eden Gardens in Kolkata presents an opportunity for redemption for the Proteas, who reached the semi-finals with seven victories in their nine league matches.
The teams look evenly matched at the moment. Their meeting in Lucknow, where South Africa secured a dominant 134-run victory, was a one-sided affair. However, this semi-final holds different stakes. There is a threat of rain and there is a reserve day for this match. In case the match cannot be completed, South Africa will advance for finishing ahead of Australia in the league table.
South Africa’s semi-final record in World Cups has been a tale of consistent disappointment. This is their fifth semi-final. They lost the previous four. South Africa have been one of the better batting sides and made huge totals on a number of occasions. However, they have not chased that well. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s form adds to their worries, given that this is a game where everyone has to contribute. Quinton de Kock displays aggressive form with four centuries in nine innings. He is among the top three run-scorers in this World Cup.
South Africa possess a formidable middle-order with Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen all in good form. Marco Jansen has added crucial runs during the death overs.
Gerald Coetzee has emerged as a standout discovery, amassing 18 wickets in seven matches. Spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, who boasts an impressive record of 29 wickets against Australia at an average of 24.96, the bowling is further supported by Jansen. The world’s No 1 ranked ODI bowler, Keshav Maharaj, adds variety and control.
Australia’s dominance in World Cups is well-known and their journey in the 2023 edition reaffirms this reputation. Despite starting with two losses, the team has orchestrated a turnaround, securing seven consecutive victories. Their current form suggests they have found their rhythm.
They boast a formidable batting lineup. Opener David Warner has performed consistently, amassing 499 runs at an average of 55.44. Mitchell Marsh has two centuries, including an unbeaten 177 against Bangladesh.
Glenn Maxwell, with two centuries in his last three innings including that miraculous 201 not out against Afghanistan, is a key player with the bat and the ball. Adam Zampa tops the bowling charts with 22 wickets.
With the highest number of World Cup victories to their name and a squad boasting players with World Cup-winning experience, Australia carry confidence into this encounter. The recent match against Bangladesh, where they successfully chased their highest-ever total in World Cup history, boosts their self-assurance.
Time and Venue Details
South Africa versus Australia. 2 PM. Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Expected conditions
There is a weather alert. It might rain. There is a reserve day. The pitch has been good for batting so far.
Possible XIs
South Africa: Tabraiz Shamsi is expected to replace Lungi Ngidi.
Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram , Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Australia: Glenn Maxwell should replace Marcus Stoinis. Sean Abbott will make way for Mitchell Starc.
Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins (c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc.
Match-ups
Rabada vs Smith: These two have a history of clashes, and the recent round-robin encounter added more controversy, with Smith disputing the television umpire’s decision. Rabada holds an advantage over his rival, intensifying the determination to keep Smith under pressure.
Match speak
Whenever we’ve chased well, there’s been a central figure there that the other batters have batted around and it’s not rocket science. I think every team will be looking to do it in a similar fashion. I think there is an understanding and it’s much like doing it more and more to become efficient at it and the Afghanistan game just reiterated our thoughts on how to chase and the blueprint around doing it.
Rob Walter, South Africa head coach.
You’ve got to make the semis to give yourself a chance and if we do things right in a couple of days’ time we find ourselves in a final. That’s in the future, but geez, we’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last couple of months to get to this stage, so we want to make the most of it.
Travis Head, Australia opener.