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South Africa and Australia are poised for a high-stakes clash in the upcoming 2nd semi-final of the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023. This eagerly anticipated showdown is scheduled to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, November 16.
The Proteas head into the knockout stage with a strong performance in the league, securing seven wins out of nine games. Determined to extend their momentum, they are focused on securing a spot in the final through a decisive victory in the semi-final.
Australia also had a commendable campaign in the group stage with an equal number of wins as South Africa and harbors ambitions of reaching the final, eying their sixth ODI World Cup title. Nevertheless, both teams are bracing themselves for an intense battle in this crucial encounter, each seeking redemption and success in this high-stakes showdown.
ODI Stats and Records at MA Chidambaram Stadium:
- Total matches: 39
- Matches won batting first: 23
- Matches won bowling first: 15
- Average 1st innings scores: 244
- Average 2nd innings scores: 199
- Highest total recorded: 404/5 (50 Ov) by India vs Sri Lanka
- Lowest total recorded: 63/10 (39.3 Ov) by India Women vs England Women
- Highest score chased: 317/3 (48.1 Ov) by India Women vs Sri Lanka
- Lowest score defended: 195/10 (50 Ov) by India vs South Africa
Also READ: From Jos Buttler to Haris Rauf – Flop playing XI of the ODI World Cup 2023
Eden Gardens Pitch Report:
The renowned Eden Gardens cricket ground in Kolkata is famed for its reputation as a venue for high-scoring encounters, consistently tipping the scales in favor of batsmen. Boasting an average first innings score of 244, the pitch distinctly tilts toward the batting side, setting the stage for thrilling displays of run-scoring prowess.
As matches unfold into the second innings, the challenge intensifies for the batters, evident in the average second innings score of 199. This statistic strongly underscores the difficulty faced by batters in maintaining momentum. Notably, with 23 out of 39 matches won by the team batting first, both captains would likely opt to field first upon winning the toss, recognizing the strategic advantage offered by setting a target on this pitch.
Kolkata Weather Forecast:
The weather in Kolkata will be cloudy and rain is likely to interrupt the play with 23% chances of rain showers. However, the spectators can anticipate the match to take place despite the disruptions. The temperature at the venue is projected to hover around 27 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels around 69% and the wind around 13 kmph.
SA vs AUS, Probable Playing XI
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
