Welcome to the pinnacle of cricketing excitement as the ICC World Cup 2023 reaches its knockout stage. Brace yourselves for an epic showdown in Semi Final 2, where cricketing powerhouses Australia and South Africa will clash on the revered grounds of Eden Gardens on 16th November 2023.
This encounter is more than just a match; it’s a chapter in the intense rivalry these two cricketing giants have scripted over the years. In seven World Cup encounters, they stand level with three victories each, with the unforgettable 1999 semi-final ending in a nail-biting tie. Australia, however, also holds the 2007 semi-final triumph over South Africa.
As both teams have displayed stellar cricket throughout the tournament, this semi-final promises to be an exciting contest.
Team Preview
South Africa
South Africa arrives at the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final stage with a dominating presence, dismantling seven of their nine opponents. Despite encountering hurdles against the powerhouse host India and a surprising upset to the Dutch, the Proteas have proven their mettle. They have beaten giants like Australia, England, and New Zealand with huge margins.
Batting first has been South Africa’s forte, as evidenced by all their wins in this fashion, boasting impressive victories with margins exceeding 100 runs in five matches. While their chasing record has seen a few bumps, they clinched crucial victories against Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As the Proteas stand on the cusp of history, reaching their farthest point in a World Cup for the fifth time, the semi-final presents the most formidable challenge. Overcoming this hurdle is crucial as they aim to break the “chokers” tag, setting their sights on a maiden World Cup final appearance.
Australia
Australia, the eternal juggernauts of ICC tournaments, find themselves in familiar territory, gearing up for their record 8th World Cup semi-final. With an illustrious history, the Aussies have triumphed in the semi-final challenge on seven occasions, succumbing only once in the 2019 edition.
After facing early setbacks with losses to India and South Africa, doubts arose about Australia’s journey to the semi-finals. However, displaying their trademark resilience, the Aussies made a remarkable comeback, embarking on a seven-match winning streak that silenced critics and solidified their presence in the knockout stage.
As they prepare to face South Africa, Australia aims to add another chapter to their storied World Cup legacy. With the prospect of a 6th World Cup title on the horizon, the team stands as a testament to their supremacy in the format, showcasing why they are considered head and shoulders above every other nation in the cricketing world.
Probable Playing XI
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, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamshi
Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Pitch Report
Eden Gardens, a historic cricketing venue, has consistently favoured teams batting first, with an average first-inning score of 271 since 2011. The ground’s characteristics provide an ideal setting for batsmen to showcase their skills and accumulate runs.
Chasing, however, presents a considerable challenge at Eden Gardens, as the average second-inning score drops to 191. Recent matches have highlighted the difficulty faced by teams, such as South Africa and Pakistan when attempting to chase down targets on this ground.
The slow nature of the pitch at Eden Gardens accentuates the significance of spinners in the game. Their ability to extract turn and control the tempo makes them pivotal contributors. While spinners thrive, pacers, especially in the initial overs, can also pose a potent threat.
Pitch Stats since 2011:
- Total Matches Played – 13
- Matches Won Batting First – 10
- Matches Won Batting Second – 3
- Average First Innings Score – 271
- Average Runs Per Over – 5.14
Players To Watch Out For
Quinton De Kock
Often labelled as a question mark in major tournaments, QDK is scripting a perfect breakthrough campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023. With an impressive tally of 591 runs in just 9 innings at a striking rate of 115, he has transformed the narrative surrounding his performance on the big stage.
In the pivotal league stage clash against Australia, De Kock emerged as the game-changer, crafting an impressive century on the challenging pitch of Ekana. His impactful innings proved to be the difference between the two teams, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
As the semi-final looms at the hallowed turf of Eden Gardens, a venue known for its slow pitch, De Kock’s role becomes even more pivotal. The team will look to him to replicate his heroics and guide them to their first-ever World Cup final, breaking free from the shadows of past disappointments.
Keshav Maharaj
Having taken 14 wickets in 9 Matches and giving runs at an economy of 4.38, Maharaj is having an exceptional run for a World Cup debutant. The only occasion where he was ineffective with the ball was against Pakistan, but still contributed by playing a small yet crucial cameo in South Africa’s run chase.
In a memorable clash against India at the same venue, Maharaj proved to be a thorn in the side of the opposition. His ability to deny runs and deliver unplayable deliveries troubled the Indian batting lineup. The match hung in the balance, and Maharaj’s performance could have tilted it in South Africa’s favour if not for the brilliant partnership between Kohli and Iyer.
As the semi-final against Australia beckons at Eden Gardens, Maharaj’s form and ability to make vital contributions make him a key player for South Africa. The brilliant spinner has proven his mettle, and his performance could once again be a deciding factor in shaping the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
David Warner
David Warner, a stalwart in World Cup history, boasts an impressive record with 1491 runs in 27 matches at a stellar strike rate of 101. Arguably Australia’s finest at the grandest stage, Warner stands as one of the most decorated batters in World Cup history.
In the current edition, Warner continues to add to his legacy, leading the run-scoring charts for Australia with 499 runs in 9 matches. As he gears up for the crucial upcoming semi-final, his focus will undoubtedly be on playing a pivotal role in securing victory for Australia.
Warner’s history against South Africa in World Cups includes a memorable century in 2019. With his knack for delivering on the big stage, Warner will be a key player for Australia, aiming to replicate past successes and guide his team to yet another World Cup final.
Adam Zampa
One of the best white-ball spinners of the current generation, Zampa has been sensational in the ICC World Cup 2023. With a remarkable haul of 22 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 18.9, Zampa finds himself on the brink of matching Muralitharan’s record for the most wickets by a spinner in a single World Cup edition, trailing by just one wicket.
Following a tough outing against India and South Africa, Zampa rebounded emphatically by claiming 21 wickets in 7 matches, all of which Australia won. This statistic emphasizes the direct correlation between Zampa’s performance and Australia’s success.
As the semi-final unfolds on the spin-supportive pitch of Eden Gardens, Zampa’s expertise becomes even more crucial. His knack for picking up key wickets and controlling the game with his spin makes him a linchpin for Australia.
SA vs AUS Dream11 Team for 2nd Semi-Final of 2023 WC
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
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