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Australia continued its domination in the ICC ODI World Cup knockout games by reaching the final of the 2023 edition. The Pat Cummins-led side took down South Africa by three wickets in the second semi-final to face India on November 19 in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. This victory also sets a rematch of the 2003 World Cup final, where the Aussies took home the title.
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After losing the toss, Australian bowlers utilised the conditions to the full extent and reduced the South Africans to 24-4. Some high-quality fast bowling and incredible fielding pushed the Proteas back against the wall but Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller built a crucial partnership to steady the innings.
After the top-order collapse, this duo put on a 95-run stand before Klassen departed after a gritty 48-ball 47. Immediately, Marcon Jansen also got out on a duck but Miller kept hitting from one end as he kept the Proteas in the contest. With this incredible display of stroke play, David Miller completed a monumental 101 in 116 balls with eight fours and six sixes as South Africa posted a total of 212 runs.
Then with the ball, South Africans were once again under the pump as David Warner and Travis Head smashed 60 runs in just the first six overs. Though the Proteas picked up two quick wickets, Head continued scoring at a rapid rate.
After a short partnership with Steven Smith, Head departed at 62 in 48 balls. With pressure building, the Aussies managed to build another short partnership between Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. But as Tabraiz Shamsi picked up two quick wickets, the South Africans were back in the fixture.
With the game hanging in the balance, Josh Inglis played a crucial 28-run knock before Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins finished off the game to take Australia to their eighth World Cup final. Whereas for South Africa, it was their fifth defeat in a World Cup semi-final.
