It came six weeks too late but the South Africa of old – the ruthless, dominant side which has been a force to reckon with in world cricket – was on display as they bowed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 with a 10-run victory over Australia at the Old Trafford on Saturday.
It wasn’t an easy task though as David Warner (122) and Alex Carey (85) threatened to take the game away but the Proteas held their nerves to end on a winning note.
The result meant that India finished the league stage as table toppers and will now face New Zealand in the first semi-finals on Tuesday while Australia will face England on Thursday.
Led by Faf du Plessis’ 100 and Rassie van der Dussen’s 95, South Africa posted a formidable 325/6 on the board in their 50 overs. The Proteas bowlers then did the job efficiently but Warner, who has hardly put a foot wrong the whole tournament smoked his 17th ODI ton yet wasn’t able to take his side over the line.
Australia eventually was restricted to 315 in 49.5 overs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Great game and well done South Africa, Australia fought brilliantly though.
So all set for the first semi finals-#IndvNZ in Manchester— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 6, 2019
India have won 7 matches so far in this WC. But their best result is SA beating Aus.👍👍👍#INDvNZ
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 6, 2019
Avoiding India in the Semi might be just the tonic … If that happens I declare it G & T O’clock … #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 6, 2019
South Africa peaking at the right time! #cwc19
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) July 6, 2019
Australia fought brilliantly but South Africa finally getting their act right, in time enough to make it a #IndvNZ semi- finals !
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 6, 2019
Fantastic game #AusvSA , Warner and Alex Carey fought brilliantly for Australia, but SA showed great character to win this game. Looking forward to #IndvNZ in Manchester in the first semi-finals.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 6, 2019
South Africa spoil Australia's semi-final plans and send them into the semi-final against England in Birmingham. India to play New Zealand in Manchester on Tuesday. That's it for Imran Tahir and JP Duminy as well. #cwc19
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) July 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1147602245942435840
Australia at Edgbaston:
Last ODI win: 1993 [Lost 3, N/R 4, Tie 1 since then]
Last International win: 2001 [Lost 8, N/R 4, Draw 1 since then]They will play the 2nd semi-final at Edgbaston vs England who won all their last 10 International games at this venue. #CWC19 #AUSvSA
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) July 6, 2019
Player of the Match #FafDuPlessis had a 👌 day with the bat and as captain. Just the way for a proud skipper to finish #CWC19 after a disappointing campaign. #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/ZD0plaXEDX
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 6, 2019
South Africa beat Australia — who would be worried about fitness of a few key players.Khawaja & Stoinis look injured. Hopefully they’re fit before the semis
SF1: July 9 — India v New Zealand at Manchester
SF2: July 11 — Australia v England at Edgbaston #AUSvSA #SAvAUS #CWC19— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) July 6, 2019
Where have you been #SouthAfrica !!!…. great game! #CWC19 #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFTVCVKyJ6
— Anila Khawaja (@anilakhawaja) July 6, 2019
Congratulations @ImranTahirSA and @jpduminy21 on fantastic ODI careers. Great players but more importantly great blokes!
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) July 6, 2019
New Zealand was the only side India did not play against in #CWC19 #CWC2019. Now that encounter is very much a possibility. #Semifinal#IndvSL #SLvInd#SAvAus #AusvSA
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 6, 2019
India started their world cup by beating South Africa and South Africa have ended their world cup by doing India a favour #AUSvSA #CWC19
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) July 6, 2019
Great insight from @MClarke23 on comms on how to beat Australia. “Assume the game is only going 35 overs, dominate them, attack them early, don’t be scared to take them on. Be prepared to attack with your best bowlers”. “Keep going for wickets!” Love it. 💪🏼 #SpendYourResource!
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) July 6, 2019
Did I say that out loud 😂😂😂😂😂🤦♂️ https://t.co/H7by39h620
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) July 6, 2019
