‘Ab ye saara gussa Pakistan par nikaalenge’ – Fans react as South Africa reduce Australia to 65/5, defending 312 in Lucknow in ODI WC 2023

South Africa is all over Australia at the moment. Chasing 312 on a slow wicket in Ekana stadium, Lucknow, Australia lost the plot completely right from the start. The opening pair of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh started slowly. The pressure only kept on building, which led to the dismissals of the two openers. What followed it was the collapse of the Australian middle and lower middle order batters.

Marsh was dismissed by Marco Jansen, which set the tone for South Africa. Warner was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi. The right-arm pacer has been sensational against Australia in the match. On a slow wicket in Lucknow, the pacer realized the need to use vary the pace. It was productive for South Africa, as the Australian batters succumbed to pressure and threw away their wickets.

After the opening duo, the middle order batters could not stay longer in the middle. Steve Smith was undone by Kagiso Rabada. Josh Inglis was clean bowled by Rabada. Even Marcus Stoinis could not stay longer in the middle. Rabada got the better of the Australian middle order batter. All of a sudden, Australia was in deep trouble. The better reading of the conditions has helped South Africa in a big way.

Middle order collapse a norm in Australian batting lineup

Glenn Maxwell was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj, which put an end to the last recognized batting pair of Australia. From 27/0 at one stage, Australia saw themselves at 70/6 in no time. The collapse of the Australian batting was unreal. The middle order had no answer to the South African attack. It has been problematic for Australia for some time in the last few days.

Even against India, Australian middle order batters had collapsed. Barring Marnus Labuschagne, no batter tried to stay in the middle. It is the Australian number 4 who holds the final baton for his team. So far, Australia is in a situation which no one had expected them to be in. South Africa have been clinical with the ball and clearly understood the pitch better.

Here’s how the fans reacted to the news –

Is this the same Australia?? pic.twitter.com/ULwia0qrZs

— ✭4тн-Uмριяε✭ (@4thUmpireHere) October 12, 2023

That look says it all pic.twitter.com/EzNW8d2GiK

— Piyush Cricket (@kayptalks) October 12, 2023

Bad luck continues for Yellow pakistan pic.twitter.com/u2RC0hJ1UV

— Andleeb Akhtar (@mr_akhtar_17) October 12, 2023

Wow! South Africa is all over Australia. That’s why I chose South Africa as Dark-horse in this World Cup.

Aussies in this World Cup haven’t found any rhythm. They got all out at 199 against India also.#CWC23 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/udRqKxxWAN

— Sammy (@sammyX39) October 12, 2023

SA to Australia :

AA ja tujhy World cup final khilwaou

— Sajjad (@Sajjadca) October 12, 2023

cwc summary pic.twitter.com/t2j4JgT2Dm

— Harsh (@harshthengineer) October 12, 2023

Aab ye sara ghusa Pakistan pe nikalengy

— Asim khan (@asimsays9) October 12, 2023

Australia agr jeet bhi jay baki 7 me se 5 matches to Run rate farig rhy ga

— Sajjad (@Sajjadca) October 12, 2023

What a performance from South Africa bowlers

— King Kohli’s Fan (@PratikV88611911) October 12, 2023

Australia out of the World Cup

— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) October 12, 2023