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New Zealand: South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first in the second semifinals.
After 45 league matches and one semifinal all done and dusted, South Africa and Australia are all set to take on each other in the second semifinals of the ICC World Cup 2023, at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday.
Both South Africa and Australia have been in incredible form during the league stages, winning 7 out of their 9 games and finishing in the 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.
Will third time be the charm for #SouthAfrica as they face #Australia in the semifinal of #CWC23 or will the Aussies continue their run of form & book their place in yet another #CWC final?
Tune-in to Semi-Final 2 #SAvAUS
THU, 16 NOV, 12 PM | Star Sports Network#WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/tNfxMw1OnD— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 13, 2023
South Africa has been the most destructive side with the bat in the tournament, going past 300 runs in every match they have batted first. The stats are exactly the opposite when chasing where the team lost the two matches they lost in the league stages.
In batting, they are supported by the incredible form of Quinton de Kock, Henric Klassen, Van der Dussan and Aiden Markram, while in bowling, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj have been their lead.
The Proteas, on Thursday, will be looking to clear the title of chokers from them by reaching the World Cup finals for the first time ever.
On the other hand, Australia, on Thursday, will find themselves on familiar grounds, i.e., the World Cup semifinals.
The five-time champions have qualified for the semifinals 8 times before and have qualified for the finals 7 times out of that, and they will be trying to reach a record-extending 8th final of the ICC World Cup.
The Aussies have a strong batting line-up, with David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Travis Head leading the top order, while Smith and Maxwell to ensure a strong middle order.
The bowling department of the five-time champions has been a little out of shape as, except for Adam Zampa, no other bowler have looked dangerous enough for the opponents.
However, whatever happened before will not be having any effects as whatever happens on Thursday, will dictate whether they will be playing the finals against the hosts India on Sunday or will be taking an early flight home on Friday.
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