Australia into the Final for the eighth time in history

Australia registered a three-wicket win over South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Thursday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first.

After winning the toss, South Africa bowled out 212 runs in 49.4 overs. South Africa was off to a sheaky start, and they lost four wickets early. After that, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller made a 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Klaasen scored 47 runs. David Miller was the top scorer for South Africa, and he played a fighting knock. He scored 101 runs with eight fours and five sixes. For Australia, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc claimed three wickets each.

In reply to that, Australia chased down the target successfully and scored 215 runs for a loss of 7 wickets in 47.2 overs. Australia got off to a solid start and made 60 runs for the first wicket. David Warner scored 29 runs, and Travis Head scored 62 runs in 48 balls. However, in the middle of the innings, the South African bowlers kept things tight and put pressure back on Australia. Australia lost wickets at regular intervals. However, the Australian batter held their nerves and chased down the target successfully. Steven Smith scored 30 runs, while Josh Inglis contributed 28 runs. At the end of the inning, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins made an unbroken 22-run partnership to cross the line.

With that, Australia into the Final for the eighth time in history. They will meet India at the final on Sunday.