Kolkata, Nov 16: Opting bat first, South Africa were 196/8 in 47 overs against Australia in the second Semi-final of the ICC ODI Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens, here on Thursday.
After 14 overs of play, rain did interrupt the proceedings as expected. But the match resumed after a break.
Despite inclement weather, South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma, who decided to go by the team strength of batting first in the World Cup 2023, was the first one to return to the pavilion.
Bavuma faced four balls, but failed to open his account. He was dismissed for a duck in the final ball of the Mitchell Starc's opening over of the match. Bavuma was caught by keeper Josh Inglis, who took a low catch moving to his right. Africa were 1/1 at the of first over.
Mainstay of African batting and the player inform Quinton de Kock, departed after his skipper, contributing only 3 runs in 14 balls. Australian skipper Pat Cummins took a skier in the deep as de Kock lofted right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood over mid-on. South Africa were reduced to 8/2 in 5.4 overs.
Aiden Markram (10 in 20 balls) was the next to go. He was removed by Starc, caught at point by David Warner.
Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed for 6, caught by Steven Smith at slips of Hazlewood. He struggled hard to survive for 31 balls, but just could not overcome the challenge of facing Australian pacers in excellent bowling conditions. Africa were in deep trouble at 24/4 in 11.5 overs.
David Miller and Heinrich Klassen had a crucial 95-run partnership for the 5th wicket. But Travis Head with his part time off-break, clean bowled Klassen, who was on 47.
The very next ball Head got Marco Jansen LBW for a duck. The Proteas again were in deep trouble at 119/6 in 30.5 overs.
Pace bowling all-rounder Gerald Coetzee gave good company to David Miller, but was eventually dismissed with Aussie captain Pat Cummins returning to attack for his final spell. Coetzee made 19 in 39 balls, with two hits to the fence. Keeper Josh Inglis held a good catch behind the stumps.
Keshav Maharaj, was expected to continue till end and allow Miller to play big shots in the slog overs. But he had a very brief stay at the crease and departed for 4, offering Steve Smith a catch of Mitchell Starc.
Earlier, despite a heavy cloud cover and some drizzle, the toss was held on time. But weather playing a part in the match cannot be ruled out, considering the conditions.
South Africa XI:
Temba Bavuma (Captain), Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Australia XI:
Pat Cummins (Captain), David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), , Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
