AUS vs RSA – 2nd Semi-Final Prediction 16 Nov 2023

In the impending semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will witness a face-off between South Africa and Australia.

• South Africa’s campaign, characterized by strength, encountered a setback only against the Netherlands and suffered a significant loss to India.
• Despite their overall dominance, a vulnerability in chasing situations is apparent.
• After facing initial setbacks, dismissed by many following two defeats, Australia have orchestrated a remarkable resurgence with seven consecutive triumphs.

AUS vs RSA – ICC WC 2023 – Venue Details

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Date: November 16th 2023

Time: 14:00 (local)

AUS vs RSA – ICC WC 2023 – Team Previews

Australia

They often say you should never underestimate Australia in a World Cup. Despite initial doubts after losing their first two games in this tournament, they have defied expectations with a remarkable turnaround, securing a spot in the semi-finals through seven consecutive victories. Their current form is undeniably impressive.

David Warner has consistently contributed runs throughout the tournament, amassing a total of 499 at an average of 55.44. Additionally, Mitchell Marsh’s recent outstanding unbeaten 177 against Bangladesh adds to their formidable batting lineup. While Australia’s bowling has not been uniformly impressive, Adam Zampa stands out with splendid performances, leading the bowling charts in this World Cup with 22 wickets at an average of 18.90.

With the inevitable return of the game-changing Maxwell, only one among Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis will feature in Kolkata. The explosive success of their recent batting performances suggests that Labuschagne’s Test tempo can be trusted to contribute effectively, providing stability to the middle order alongside Steve Smith. This strategic move frees up the players around them to continue their aggressive approach as they see fit.

South Africa

Discounting the surprising loss to the Netherlands and the substantial 243-run defeat to India, South Africa has displayed overall dominance. Their primary strength lies in their batting prowess when setting a target, yet they have shown vulnerability when chasing, a concern that demands careful attention as they approach the knockout stage.

Undoubtedly, Quinton de Kock stands out as the key player to watch in the semifinals, concluding the league stage as the second-highest run-scorer with an impressive total of 591 runs. South Africa possesses a well-rounded bowling attack, spearheaded by the reliable and experienced Kagiso Rabada.

The fitness of Temba Bavuma is a decision to be made just before the toss, with concerns about a hamstring strain casting a shadow over the team’s preparations. Similarly, Lungi Ngidi, though declared fit, might make way for Gerald Coetzee. Tabraiz Shamsi is expected to be a crucial inclusion on what is anticipated to be a turning pitch, complemented by Keshav Maharaj.

AUS vs RSA – ICC WC 2023 – Probable Playing XI’s

South Africa: De Kock (WK), T Bavuma (Cap), Van der Dussen, A Markram, H Klaasen, D Miller, M Jansen, K Rabada, K Maharaj, T Shamsi, G Coetzee

Australia: D Warner, T Head, M Marsh, S Smith, M Labuschagne, G Maxwell, J Inglis (WK), P Cummins (Cap), M Starc, J Hazlewood, A Zampa

AUS vs RSA – ICC WC 2023 – Pitch Report and Toss Prediction

The Eden Gardens pitch tends to favour the team batting first initially, but it gradually loses pace as the match progresses. Chasing becomes a formidable task during the later stages of the game, particularly under the lights, as there is heightened ball movement and the batting surface becomes more challenging.

AUS vs RSA – ICC WC 2023 – Win Prediction

Australia are serial winners and are peaking at the right time but this feels like South Africa’s time has finally come in a World Cup and we expect them to go the distance.