Cricket World Cup Semi-final: South Africa vs Australia

Date: Thursday November 16, 08:30 GMT
Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Teams: South Africa vs Australia

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South Africa take on Australia in semi-final

South Africa and Australia come together in an evenly matched semi-final. South Africa were comfortable winners in the group stage encounter, easing to a 134 run victory. The match marked back to back defeats for the Aussies who had lost to India by six wickets in their previous game. Since then though Australia have turned things around to such an extent that they are considered to be second favourites to lift the trophy, ahead of the Proteas and behind hosts India.

South Africa

Defeat to the Netherlands proved to be a blip from South Africa who have looked convincing throughout the tournament. They also lost to India in the group stage, however, the hosts have enjoyed a 100% record in qualifying and are huge favourites to win the tournament.

South Africa opted to rest fast bowler Marco Jansen and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for their last group-stage match against Afghanistan, and both players will be available for the semi-final.

Captain Temba Bavuma is still a slight doubt with a hamstring injury, but if he is not passed fit, Reeza Hendricks is the most likely to open the batting with Quinton de Kock.

Going into the semis, the Proteas have two of the top 10 run-scorers in the competion with De Kock (591) iand Rassie van der Dussen (442). Gerald Coetzee and Jansen are ranked fourth and sixth in the leading wicket-taking list.

South Africa Squad:

Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.

Australia

Since back to back defeat to India and South Africa Australia’s form has made people sit up and take notice. They will go into the semi-final as slight favourites. They have shown steel as well as skill during the group stages. Afghanistan looked as though they were going to get a famous victory until Glenn Maxwell’s superb undefeated double century saw Australia seal their semi-final spot with a famous victory.

Australia have a fairly settled lineup, though Marcus Stoinis could be replaced by Cameron Green. Green is hoping to return to the side as the bowling all-rounder.

Despite a slow start to the tournament Adam Zampa went into the semis as the leading wicket-taker with 22 in nine matches. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh are both in the top 10 batsman rankings.

Australia squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Prediction

This semi-final will be extremely tight and could go either way. South Africa have a great recent record against the Aussies and with a superior run-rate, they will progress should the match be rained off.

However, Australia’s current form has been extremely impressive and we think that they will get a narrow victory. Australia to win, but expect a close game, which could go right down to the final ball.

At the time of writing, Betway have Australia priced at 4/6 and South Africa at 11/10.