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The second semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023 between South Africa and Australia unfolded at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata with intense moments, but none more spectacular than Travis Head‘s double-wicket over that left the cricketing world in awe.
Head showcased brilliant precision while bowling, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen on two consecutive deliveries that significantly altered the course of the game and transferred the momentum in Australia’s favour.
Australia’s fiery start and South Africa’s struggle
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, South Africa faced an early setback as skipper Temba Bavuma departed for a duck in the opening over. Subsequently, other batters quickly followed Bavuma, leading the Proteas to a challenging situation at 24/4. Despite the adversity, Klaasen and David Miller displayed resilience, forging a crucial partnership until Head dismissed the former off a brilliant delivery. Head’s impact continued as he swiftly also sent the newly arrived Jansen back to the pavilion for a duck on the very next ball, leaving the cricketing world in astonishment.
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Travis Head’s magical double-wicket over
The turning point of the match occurred when Aussie skipper Pat Cummins introduced Head into the attack during the 31st over. Head’s fourth delivery of the over to Klaasen was a well-tossed up delivery on the stumps. Late to get forward, the right-handed batter failed to cover the line, and the ball spun past the outside edge, crashing into the middle stump. The Eden Gardens erupted as Head celebrated the crucial breakthrough.
The drama continued on the very next ball as Head delivered an off-break on the stumps to Jansen. Failing to pick the delivery, the Proteas all-rounder went back to defend, hoping to weather the storm. However, the ball spun past his defence, crashing into the pad. The on-field umpire wasted no time in declaring Jansen LBW. Despite Jansen’s attempt to challenge the decision with a review, he found himself caught in the middle of the stumps and had to walk back to the pavilion.
Here’s the video:
Head’s brilliant performance was well complemented by the stellar performances of Mitchell Starc (3/35) and Josh Hazlewood (2/12). Together, they formed a lethal trio, applying consistent pressure on the Proteas’ batting lineup.
David Miller’s heroics power South Africa to a fighting total
Despite the wickets falling on the other end at regular intervals, Miller showcased brilliant resilience and went on to hammer a sensational ton. The 101-run knock by the left-handed batter powered the Proteas side to a decent total of 212 before being bowled out in 49.4 overs.
