South Africa and Australia locked horns in the second semifinal of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup on November 16, 2023, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It was a thrilling match that eventually saw Australia emerge victorious by 6 wickets.

Toss and Batting

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they got off to a shaky start as Mitchell Starc dismissed Quinton de Kock in the very first over. David Warner then dismissed Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram to reduce South Africa to 24/3 in 10 overs.

Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen then steadied the ship for South Africa. They put on a 99-run partnership for the third wicket before van der Dussen was dismissed by Steve Smith. Klaasen went on to score 68 runs, but South Africa was bowled out for 201/9 in 48.2 overs.

Australian Batting

The Australian openers got off to a good start against the South African bowlers. David Warner scored 70 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with 45 runs. Steve Smith then scored 72 runs to guide Australia to a comfortable victory by 202/4 in 39.3 overs.

Conclusion

Australia’s victory has earned them a place in the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. This will be Australia’s fifth World Cup final. South Africa put up a good fight, but they ultimately fell short.

Starc Creates New Record, Surpasses McGrath

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc created a new record when he dismissed Quinton de Kock in the very first over against South Africa. He became the fastest bowler to reach 60 wickets in 27 matches, surpassing Australian legend Glenn McGrath.

Starc picked up a total of 4 wickets in the match, taking his World Cup tally to 42. He is now the highest wicket-taker for Australia in the World Cup.