The penultimate match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup will see familiar foes South Africa and Australia lock horns yet again in a semi-final, this time at Eden Gardens on Thursday morning.
Australia are aiming to extend their record to six ODI World Cup titles here in India, while South Africa are still in search of their first final appearance, having fallen at this hurdle on four previous occasions.
Match preview
Arguably the most fierce cricketing rivalry in the Southern Hemisphere, these two sides have met in a CWC semi-final twice in the past, and South Africa will be hoping that it is third time lucky, having lost both previous encounters.
The most recent came back in 2007 when the Proteas were completely outplayed and bowled out for less than 150 runs, but undoubtedly, the most memorable clash was back in 1999 when the match ended in a tie after Allan Donald was run out in the final over.
South African fans have seen their side fall at the final hurdle in all formats of the game, but they will feel that this squad may have what it takes to finally take them all the way.
The Proteas finished second in the group stages, level on 14 points with the Aussies, though their net run rate took a sizable drop after India thumped them in their eighth group-stage match.
Nevertheless, they bounced back well with a solid victory over Afghanistan in their final group match and also had the opportunity to give some of their key players a rest ahead of this blockbuster matchup.
While their history in this competition may not inspire much confidence, Temba Bavuma's side did claim a convincing 134-run win against the Aussies in the group stages and have won their last four against them in total after a 3-2 comeback in the ODI series back in September.
Meanwhile, Australia got their 2023 CWC campaign off to the worst possible start as they suffered heavy defeats to the tournament favourites India and this opponent in their first two matches.
However, the Baggy Greens proved yet again why they are the most successful side in this competition, as they came romping back with seven wins on the bounce to claim third place in the group standings.
Despite that excellent run of results, most would likely agree that we are yet to see the best from the Aussies in this competition, and it would not be surprising to see them deliver a big performance here against their old foes.
The one major concern, though, for Australia is that there is a fair amount of rain predicted in Kolkata this week, and while the ICC have set Friday aside as a reserve day, a total washout will see South Africa progress to the final due to their superior net run rate in the group stages.
That will likely mean that if the match starts on time and we are able to get some play in, Australia will need to come flying out of the blocks and try to stay ahead, as DLS could play a big role in this one.
Team News
South Africa opted to rest fast bowler Marco Jansen and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for their last group-stage match against Afghanistan, and both players will be available for selection again in this match.
Bavuma is still a slight doubt as he continues to battle through a hamstring injury, but if he is not passed fit, Reeza Hendricks is the most likely to open the batting with Quinton de Kock.
The Proteas have two of the top 10 run-scorers in the competition in their lineup, with De Kock (591) in second place and Rassie van der Dussen (442) in sixth, while Gerald Coetzee and Jansen are ranked fourth and sixth, respectively, in the leading wicket-taker race.
Australia have a fairly settled lineup, though Marcus Stoinis is under pressure to keep his place, with Cameron Green hoping to return to the starting 11 as the bowling all-rounder.
After a slow start, Adam Zampa has flown to the top of the leading wicket-taker charts with 22 in nine matches, while David Warner and Mitchell Marsh are ranked fourth and seventh, respectively, in the top batsmen standings.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc
Series so far
South Africa
Match One: South Africa won by 102 runs
South Africa - 428/5 (50)
Sri Lanka - 326 (44.5)
Match Two: South Africa won by 134 runs
South Africa - 321/6 (50)
Australia - 177 (40.5)
Match Three: South Africa lost by 38 runs
Netherlands - 245/8 (43)
South Africa - 201 (42.5/43)
Match Four: South Africa won by 229 runs
South Africa - 399/7 (50
England - 170 (22)
Match Five: South Africa won by 149 runs
South Africa - 382/5 (50)
Bangladesh - 233 (46.4)
Match Six: South Africa won by 1 wicket
Pakistan - 270 (46.4)
South Africa - 271/9 (47.2)
Match Seven: South Africa won by 190 runs
South Africa - 357/4 (50)
New Zealand - 167 (35.3)
Match Eight: South Africa lost by 243 runs
India - 326/5 (50)
South Africa - 83 (27.1)
Match Nine: South Africa won by 5 wickets
Afghanistan - 244 (50)
South Africa - 357/4 (47.3)
Australia
Match One: Australia lost by 6 wickets
Australia - 199 (49.3)
India - 201/4 (41.2)
Match Two: Australia lost by 134 runs
South Africa - 311/7 (50)
Australia - 177 (40.5)
Match Three: Australia won by 5 wickets
Sri Lanka - 209 (43.3)
Australia - 215/5 (35.2)
Match Four: Australia won by 62 runs
Australia - 367/9 (50)
Pakistan - 305 (45.2)
Match Five: Australia won by 309 runs
Australia - 399/8 (50)
Netherlands - 90 (21)
Match Six: Australia won by 5 runs
Australia - 388 (49.2)
New Zealand - 383/9 (50)
Match Seven: Australia won by 33 runs
Australia - 286 (49.3)
England - 253 (48.1)
Match Eight: Australia won by 3 wickets
Afghanistan - 291/5 (50)
Australia - 293/7 (46.5)
Match Nine: Australia won by 8 wickets
Bangladesh - 306/8 (50)
Australia - 307/2 (44.4)
We say: South Africa to win
While it is easy to write off the Proteas due to their history in the knockout stages of this competition, they do come into this match having won each of their last four against Australia. They also have the advantage in terms of net run rate, which will see them through to the final in the event of a washout.
This one could go down to the last ball, but we feel that the South Africans may just be able to edge it if their destructive top order puts their best foot forward here.
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