SA vs AUS, 2nd Semi-Final Preview: Two powerhouses clash for a spot in the final

The second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will be played between South Africa and Australia on Thursday, November 16 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both teams have had an incredible run in the league stages as they have been crushing their opponents.

South Africa finished on the second spot on the points table with seven wins from nine matches having 14 points to their name. They won their last fixture against Afghanistan by five wickets to finish their league stage on a winning note. On the other hand, Australia finished on the third spot on the points table with seven wins from nine matches. The Pat Cummins-led side began their campaign with back-to-back losses against India and South Africa. However, they made a brilliant comeback by winning seven matches on the trot and sealed their spot in the semis.

Notably, Australia and South Africa have given a tough fight to each other in World Cup history as the two teams have played several memorable encounters over the years. Out of the seven matches played between the two teams, three each have been won by both teams while one game has been tied. Hence, the upcoming fixture also promises to be a mouth-watering clash as two heavyweights of world cricket take on each other.

Pitch Report

Out of the last five matches played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting first. The average first innings score in the last five games has been 262 while the highest target chased has been 316. The captain winning the toss will look to bat first as the pitch has shown the tendency to slow down in the second innings.

Probable Playing XI