The most successful team of World Cup history, Australia will face-off against the traditional chokers of World Cup, South Africa. Eden Gardens Kolkata will lit up on 16th November 2023. The winner will face India in the final. Following is the Australia vs South Africa preview of the World Cup 2023 semi-final.
Australia vs South Africa Match Preview
Both South Africa and Australia had a similar league stage run in this World Cup with 7 wins each and 2 defeats. South Africa lost to Netherlands and India while Australia lost to India and South Africa. So, in the group stage, South Africa had the upper hand.
South Africa have to prove that they are no longer the chokers in World Cricket. Australia on the other hand have to take revenge of the group stage defeat against the Proteas that they suffered earlier.
Eden Gardens has some assistance for the spinners. Zampa and Keshav Maharaj, both have been in sensational form. Maharaj is the No.1 ODI bowler right now after his incredible bowling in World Cup 2023. Zampa on the other hand in the highest wicket taker of the event.
Both sides have got inform players. South Africa’s batting is slightly better but the Aussie pace attack is slightly ahead in terms of consistency and experience. Although many would rate Aussies as the favorites because they are the 5-time champions but South Africa have been playing brilliantly and this might be their year. South Africa’s chasing ability is a little questionable so Aussies would want to bat first if they win the toss.
Australia Expected Playing XI
Maxwell and Starc, who rested in the last group match of Australia will comeback while Sean Abbott and Marcus Stoinis will have to sit out.
(Probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Josh Inglis (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Pat Cummins (C), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
South Africa Expected Playing XI
Tabraiz Shamsi is likely to play this game while Lungi Ngidi will have to make room for him.
Expected: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (C), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Gerald Coetzee, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
Australia vs South Africa Head to Head
South Africa have defeated Australia 7 times in World Cup matches while Australia have done the same just thrice. Overall, 65 ODIs have been played between the two sides with South Africa winning 36 while Australia have won 28.
Players to watch-out for
David Warner and Mitchell Marsh have been the two top performers for Australia in this World Cup. Warner averages 55 with 499 runs in this World Cup while Marsh averages 60+ with 426 runs. Both batters have a strike rate of 100+ and are extremely dangerous at the top of the order. The firepower of Glenn Maxwell adds more value to this batting unit.
With the ball Adam Zampa is the star. He is the top wicket taker of the event and he averages 18.90 and his economy is under 6 too. All other bowlers average 30+ hence fans would expect more from Zampa.
With 591 runs, Quinton de Kock is the 2nd highest run getter of this event. He averages 65 with a strike rate of 90. Quinton de Kock has smashed 3 centuries and another such innings will be needed in the semi-final. All other specialized batters have a great average and have healthy strike rates too. The firepower of Klaasen and Miller can ruin any bowling attack.
With the ball Gerald Coetzee has the best average for South Africa in this World Cup (19). Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will also be someone to watch-out for as they have bowling average of 24 in this World Cup. So, Maharaj and Shamsi will be very crucial here.
South Africa vs Australia Toss Prediction
South Africa is likely to win the toss and they will opt to bat first here.
Australia vs South Africa Win Prediction
Both sides have a 50-50 chance to win this semi-final.
