World Cup 2023: Aussies Reach Finals for a Record 8th Time

The second semi-final of World Cup 2023 was played against Australia and South Africa in Eden Garden yesterday, where both sides clashed to meet Bharat in the finals. South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first, not knowing the surprise attack that Aussie pacers had in store for them. Mitchell Starc struck in his very first over by trapping skipper Bavuma on a duck, whereas Josh Hazlewood got the in-form Quentin de Kock on just 3.

The pair ran through the entire top order in no time, and South Africa soon found themselves to be struggling at 44-4. However, their most dependable middle-order batsmen in World Cup 2023, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, stepped up when it mattered the most. The two played smartly to give their team a fighting chance. They steadily kept the scoreboard ticking before Klaasen was dismissed for 47. But that didn’t stop Miller from batting with the lower order and scoring a brilliant 101 to take South Africa’s scoreboard to a respectable 212.

In response, Travis Head and David Warner provided a steady start to their team in a key opening partnership of 60 runs before Warner’s dismissal. South Africa struck back by getting Mitchell Marsh out on a duck, putting the batsmen under pressure. However, the seasoned Steve Smith batted reliably and pushed the scoreboard before falling on 30. South Africa kept picking wickets at regular intervals in a valiant attempt, but Australia sealed their winning chances after skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc survived their bowling attack.

In the end, the duo got their team through the finish line and into the World Cup 2023 final against Bharat, which will take place on November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Image source: AP