South Africa chose to bat first against Australia, relying on their strengths in the intense clash at the Eden Gardens. However, their strategy faltered as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc capitalized on the overcast conditions, wreaking havoc with the ball.
This resulted in South Africa stumbling to 24/4 by the 12th over. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller attempted a recovery, but rain interrupted play at the 14-over mark with 44 runs on the scoreboard.
Following the break, Klaasen and Miller showcased their batting skills, guiding the team past the 100-run mark in 28 overs. Yet, Travis Head’s consecutive dismissals of Klaasen and Marco Jansen halted their momentum.
Nevertheless, Miller’s resilient performance, including a standout century, propelled South Africa beyond the 200-mark as they were eventually all out for 212 in 49.4 overs. In pursuit of a moderate target, David Warner and Travis Head launched an aggressive onslaught, quickly reaching 60 runs in six overs.
However, South Africa fought back, claiming the wickets of Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Despite these setbacks, Head continued to dominate, steering Australia to 100 runs within 14 overs and securing his half-century. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Head (62), and subsequent strikes by Shamsi further balanced the game with Australia at 137/5.
Steve Smith and Josh Inglis contributed a crucial 37-run partnership before Gerald Coetzee removed Smith. Despite Inglis and Starc’s efforts to guide Australia to victory, Coetzee’s dismissal of Inglis kept South Africa in contention.
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— Quinton De Kock (@QuinnyDeKock69) November 16, 2023
Nonetheless, Starc and Cummins maintained their cool and successfully steered Australia to victory. With this win, Australia progressed to the final clash against hosts India, aiming to secure their sixth World title.
