World Cup ODI 2023

SA vs. AUS, 2nd Semi-Final

Preview

The 2nd Semi-Final of the World Cup ODI 2023 will be played between South Africa and Australia at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, November 16.

South Africa ended their round-robin stage at the 2nd spot just below the host country India who remained unbeaten in all nine group stage matches. Unlike them, the Proteas won seven of their matches, losing two, to qualify for the semi-final. Their opening prodigy Quinton de Kock is the highest run-getter with 591 runs scored at a strike rate of 109. He has struck 21 sixes and 57 fours in the process. Gerald Coetzee has been the top wicket-taking bowler for South Africa as he has amassed 18 wickets so far while bowling at an economy rate of 6.40 and an average of 19.

On the other hand, Australia are sitting on the 3rd spot in the World Cup ODI 2023 league standings with the same number of wins and losses as the Proteas but missed the second spot due to a slightly lower Net Run Rate. The Kangaroos has their own star opener David Warner as the top run-scorer with 499 runs hitting 20 sixes and 48 fours at a strike rate of 105. The best bowler from the side has been Adam Zampa with 22 wickets under his belt with a bowling average of 18 and an economy rate of 5.27.

Match Details

Match: World Cup ODI 2023, SA vs AUS, 2nd Semi-Final

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 02:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Pitch and Weather Report

The Eden Gardens has favoured the spinners a lot in this edition of the World Cup. Even the last game played at the venue between England and Pakistan witnessed immense angles for the spin bowlers, especially in the second innings of the game. The team winning the toss will opt to bat first depending on the conditions and the dew factor. 

There is a chance of rain in Kolkata on Thursday and the weather is expected to be cloudy. The temperature will rotate around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius on the match day.

SA vs. AUS Squads

SA: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lizaad Williams

AUS: Pat Cummins (c), Steven Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (wk), Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne

SA vs. AUS Probable Playing XIs

SA: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

AUS: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Match Prediction

Australia and South Africa share a great rivalry when we see their clash in the gentleman’s game. This contest should be a one-of-a-kind firecracker show as we see two of the most seasoned sides in the epic semi-final clash of the World Cup ODI 2023. The last time both sides met, the Proteas roasted the Kangaroos by a 134-run margin but we need to recall that the 5 time champions are also dangerous in the knockout stages. The Aussies poorly started off their campaign but are now in a pretty comfortable state with most of their players finding their rhythm and contributing to the game. South Africa finds most of their confidence in their in-form batting order and their batters are capable of putting in a huge score using the outfields of the iconic Eden Gardens which really challenges the fielders due to its fast outfield. We back the Australian side to win this game based on their level of confidence to finish their task and their past records in this format of the game. 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket

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