In the highly anticipated second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, South Africa and Australia clashed in a battle for a spot in the final.
South Africa Innings
Opting to bat after winning the toss, South Africa faced early setbacks with Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma departing quickly. Rassie van der Dussen struggled to find his rhythm, contributing only 6 runs. However, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller steadied the ship with a valuable partnership. Miller, in particular, played a stellar knock, notching up an impressive century, scoring 101 runs off 116 deliveries. The lower order added some crucial runs, but Australia’s bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, managed to restrict South Africa to a total of 212 in 49.4 overs.
Australia Innings
In pursuit of the target, Australia faced early challenges as South African bowlers struck at regular intervals. Travis Head emerged as the standout performer for Australia, showcasing a brilliant innings of 62 runs off 48 deliveries. Despite wickets falling at the other end, Head’s composed knock guided Australia towards the target. Contributions from David Warner, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis supported the chase. In the end, Australia secured a hard-fought victory, reaching 215/7 in 47.2 overs.
Man of the Match
Travis Head’s exceptional batting performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
With this win, Australia booked their place in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown against India on Sunday, November 19.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Both teams displaying vulnerabilities. By just waiting, Australia are becoming susceptible to a good ball
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 16, 2023
Good game that .. great effort by the lads 👏
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) November 16, 2023
Bad luck #SouthAfrica feel for you guys ! Have to give to the Aussies , something about them in big games ! Keeping the composure under pressure . Onto the big finals #indiavsaus ! India clearly the favourites but hopefully it’s a cracker of a final !! And of course we 🇮🇳…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 16, 2023
8th World Cup Final for the Australian team, a remarkable record.
Sunday’s final will be the toughest of them all. #WorldcupFinal #INDvAUS— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 16, 2023
Serious innings @DavidMillerSA12 !!! One of the best of the tournament under huge pressure … #CWC2023
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 16, 2023
And then there were two 🇮🇳 🇦🇺
Presenting the #CWC23 finalists 🤩 pic.twitter.com/vv0L57egeY
— ICC (@ICC) November 16, 2023
The all-round brilliance of Travis Head saw Australia home at the Eden Gardens 👊
It helps him win the @aramco #POTM 👌#CWC23 | #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/oWzaDSlXjX
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) November 16, 2023
Australia becomes the second team to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023 final#SAvsAUS #ODIWorldCup2023 #CWC23 #cricket #Australia #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/prM3rIx9T6
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 16, 2023
SA dropped crucial catches. One of the best fielding units have let themselves down in the big match. Same thing happened in 2015 WC SF too #SAvAUS
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) November 16, 2023
Australia will be facing india in the finals
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 16, 2023
Heartbroken South African team. 💔 pic.twitter.com/khlD7PXI3V
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 16, 2023
