Australia secured their place in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final against India after a gripping victory over South Africa, edging past them by three wickets in a tense semi-final showdown at the Eden Gardens.
Travis Head led the charge with a solid 62, well supported by Steven Smith (30), Josh Inglis (28), Mitchell Starc (16 not out), and skipper Pat Cummins (14 not out). Their resilience thwarted South Africa's valiant efforts, propelling Australia into their eighth Men’s ODI World Cup final, setting the stage for a clash with India, a rematch of the 2003 finale.
While South Africa's spinners posed challenges, they couldn't capitalize on the opportunities they created. Despite David Miller's resilient century, Australia's determined pursuit prevailed.
In the chase of 213, Head and David Warner set a rapid pace, smacking boundaries in the initial overs. Their aggressive play, including a 15-run over off Marco Jansen, kept Australia's momentum strong. However, Warner's explosive innings was cut short by Aiden Markram while Mitchell Marsh fell quickly to Rabada's delivery, courtesy of a stunning catch by Rassie van der Dussen.
Head had his share of luck surviving a dropped catch by substitute Reeza Hendricks off Gerald Coetzee. He reached his fifty by pulling Coetzee for four but escaped again when Heinrich Klassen couldn't hold onto a tough chance off Tabraiz Shamsi.
Keshav Maharaj struck immediately, dismissing Head with a turning ball. Marnus Labuschagne survived an lbw scare, benefiting from an umpire's call on review. Smith also got a lifeline as Quinton de Kock dropped a tough chance off Shamsi.
However, Shamsi eventually claimed Labuschagne with a sharp-turning delivery. He further struck, reminiscent of Kuldeep Yadav's dismissal, by dismantling Glenn Maxwell's leg-stump. Smith and Inglis fought on, but Smith's uncharacteristic shot led to his dismissal, caught by de Kock off Coetzee.
Inglis put up a fight but was eventually bowled by Coetzee. South Africa used their review unsuccessfully when Cummins was trapped, pitching outside leg. The tension escalated as chances were created but not taken by Markram, Bavuma, and de Kock. Starc and Cummins held their nerve, guiding Australia to victory with timely boundaries in a nail-biting finish.
Brief Scores: South Africa 212 in 49.4 overs (David Miller 101, Heinrich Klaasen 47; Mitchell Starc 3-34, Pat Cummins 3-51) lost to Australia 215/7 in 47.2 overs (Travis Head 62, Steven Smith 30; Tabraiz Shamsi 2-42, Gerald Coetzee 2-47) by three wickets
(With Agency Inputs)
