In a thrilling encounter set to unfold at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Australia and South Africa lock horns in the semi-final of the 2023 ODI Men’s World Cup. The stakes are high as Australia aims to continue its trend of progression against the Proteas, having triumphed in the semi-finals in 1999 and 2007. Will history repeat itself, or can South Africa turn the tables in their favor on this third occasion?
Match Details:
Teams: Australia vs. South Africa
Event: 2023 ODI Men’s World Cup semi-final
Date: Thursday, November 16
Time: Coin toss at 7:00pm AEDT, first ball at 7:30pm AEDT (2:00pm local)
Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Watch: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, Nine/Gem/Go!/Rush
Officials:
Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon (standing), Chris Gaffaney (third), Michael Gough (fourth)
Live Coverage:
Match Centre, cricket.com.au, CA Live app, Unplayable Podcast
Local Insights:
Eden Gardens, India’s second-largest cricket stadium, poses a challenge for Australia, having won two out of three ODIs here. Pace bowling seems to be more effective in this World Cup, with rain expected from the Bay of Bengal, potentially influencing the game.
Contingency Plans:
In case of adverse weather conditions, reserve days are in place. If both the scheduled and reserve days are affected, the highest-ranked side will progress to the final.
Possible Starting XIs:
Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Team News:
Australia’s squad is in good health, but the decision between Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis for the middle-order spot remains challenging. South Africa faces a tough call between Gerald Coetzee’s pace and Tabraiz Shamsi’s left-arm wrist-spin.
Recent Form:
Australia: WWWWWWWLLW
South Africa: WLWWWWLWWW
Australia seeks redemption against the Proteas, having suffered four straight losses in recent encounters.
Last Meeting:
In their second match of the tournament, Australia faced a 134-run defeat against South Africa. Pat Cummins sent South Africa in, but a century from Quinton de Kock and lethal bowling secured victory for the Proteas.
Head-to-Head Stats:
Overall: Australia (50 wins), South Africa (55 wins), three ties, one no result
Past 10 years: Australia (nine wins), South Africa (19 wins), one no result
At World Cups: Australia (three wins), South Africa (three wins), one tie
In World Cup semi-finals: Australia (one win), one tie
South Africa holds a positive win-loss record over Australia in men’s ODIs, with three wins each in World Cup semi-finals.
Rapid Stats:
The coin toss could be crucial, with teams batting first winning 10 of the past 13 matches at Eden Gardens. South Africa has won nine of their last 11 ODIs against Australia, and both teams boast formidable players with impressive records.
What’s Next:
The winner advances to Ahmedabad for the World Cup final, while the loser exits the tournament. Australia faces a five-match T20 series against India immediately after the final on November 19.
Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup Fixtures:
[Include fixtures and results]
As cricket enthusiasts anticipate this high-stakes clash, the stage is set for a riveting battle between two cricketing giants in pursuit of World Cup glory.
