Australia defeats South Africa to set up Cricket World Cup Final clash with India

A low-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens ended in Australia's favor, as Pat Cummins' side advanced to the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

Australia's victory advances them to Sunday's final against tournament hosts India, where they can win a record sixth men's Cricket World Cup title.

South Africa reached 212 all out thanks to a brilliant David Miller century, giving the bowlers something to work with in the second innings.

With 213 runs needed to win, the same total as in the infamous 1999 semi-final between these two nations, Australia set about their chase quickly.

Travis Head and David Warner launched an aggressive attack in the first powerplay, only for South Africa's spinners to reverse the momentum as wickets fell at critical moments.

A tense encounter concluded with South Africa throwing everything at Australia's tail in search of the final wickets required to pull off a stunning comeback.

Keshav Maharaj with 1/24 from ten overs, Tabraiz Shamsi (2/42) and Gerald Coetzee (2/47) were the pick of the Proteas bowlers.

But Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins finished the job with the bat, securing victory with three wickets and 16 balls to spare.

Earlier, after opting to bat first in the semi-final, South Africa's top order was put under immense pressure in good bowling conditions.

South Africa fell to 24/4 in the 12th over, with Temba Bavuma (0), Quinton de Kock (3), Aiden Markram (10) and Rassie van der Dussen (6) all falling cheaply as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood turned the screw.

A rain delay provided an opportunity for South Africa to regroup, and they steadily rebuilt through the middle overs, with Heinrich Klaasen (47) and Miller ensuring that the semi-final remained lively.

Miller was out for 101 from 116 balls as the innings came to an end, giving South Africa's bowlers a total to defend, with the Proteas finishing 212 all out with two balls remaining in the allocated 50 overs.

Starc finished with 3/34 from ten overs, while Cummins finished with 3/51 from 9.4 overs. But it was Hazlewood, who took a remarkable 2/12 from eight overs, and Travis Head, who took 2/21 from five, including the crucial wicket of Klaasen, who stole the show with the ball for Australia.

SportsLigue