‘Chokers choked again’ – Fans react as Australia defeat South Africa by three wickets to reach finals of ODI World Cup 2023
Australia defeat South Africa (Source: Twitter)
The Semi-Final two of the ODI World Cup 2023 saw the five-time World Champions, Australia take on South Africa at Eden Garden Stadium in Kolkata. The match was also worthy of a Semi-Final as the contest went down to the wire with both teams fighting it hard for that final spot. But eventually, it was Australia who held onto their nerves and delivered the final blow. Australia won the match by three wickets. With this win, Australia will be taking on India at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19.
In the game, the Proteas captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat in an overcast condition. But the South African batting lineup faced challenges against Australia’s potent bowling attack. Top-order batsmen Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, and Aiden Markram struggled, leaving South Africa in a tough spot at 24/4 in the 12th over. However, David Miller played a historic innings, scoring 101 off 116 balls—the first century by a South African in a World Cup knockout match.
The swashbuckling left-hand batter was very well supported by partnerships with Klaasen and Coetzee, stabilizing the innings. Klaasen’s aggressive batting, featuring consecutive sixes, offered crucial support, and Coetzee, despite batting lower down the order, contributed to the rebuilding process. Despite their efforts, Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure, eventually bowling out South Africa for 212.
Australia chased down the target with three wickets in hand
In response, Australia had a strong start with both the Australian openers, David Warner and Travis Head putting on 60 runs in the first six overs. But as it has happened so many times in this game, South Africa once again fought their way back in the game with Aiden Markram going past Warner’s defence. Soon, Mitchell Marsh was also sent packing courtesy of a brilliant diving catch from Rassie van der Dussen.
But after that Australia kept on scoring runs but at the same time South Africa continued to pick wickets at regular intervals. But it was the wicket Travis Head (62) that provided Proteas the breathing space for a fightback. The stars of the show for South Africa with the bowl were Gerald Coetzee and Tabraiz Shamsi who took two wickets each. At one stage the Australian team were 193/7 but it was the partnership of skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc of 22 runs that saw the Australian team cross the finishing line without further loss of wickets.
Let us see how Twitter has reacted to this victory from Australia:
Congratulations Australia for a tremendous win against South Africa.
South Africa fielding lost the match for them. Australia showing whey they are world champion 5 times.
Welcome to the final in Ahmedabad against India on 19th November 2023. #AUSvsSA #AUSvSA #SAvAUS…— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) November 16, 2023
SOUTH AFRICA HAS BEEN A CHOCKER'S TEAM SINCE ETERNITY. I FEEL SO BAD FOR THIS TEAM.
— ًबेख्याली に (@Be_khyali) November 16, 2023
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