Who can win the World Cup 2023 Australia vs South Africa semi-final?

Australia have secured their place in the second semi-final of the World Cup against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The team, which initially faced setbacks with consecutive defeats in the first two matches, rebounded impressively, gaining momentum with victories in their next six games.

A noteworthy performance was in their recent match against Afghanistan, where the Kangaroos snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Recovering from 91/7, Australia raced to 293/7 within 46.5 overs.

This remarkable turnaround was fueled by the historic innings of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who scored a double ton. Despite an injured leg, Maxwell finished the match at 201 off 128 balls, including 10 sixes and 21 fours.

Who has the advantage?

• Australia seek redemption for their previous group stage loss to the Proteas.

• In their prior encounter, South Africa dominated Australia by bowling the entire team out for 177 while chasing 312.

• South Africa, however, faced a tough time in their recent match against India, being bowled out for 83 while chasing a target of 327.

• In terms of ODI head-to-head stats, South Africa hold an edge, having won 55 games compared to Australia's 50.

• In World Cup competitions, Australia have the upper hand, securing victories in three out of seven clashes, while South Africa emerged victorious in two matches, with one ending in a tie.

• Both South Africa and Australia share 12 points on the points table, each winning six games and losing two.

   

Australia's impeccable semis record

• The Men in Yellow boast an impeccable record, having never lost a semi-final in the World Cup.

• Australia has participated in seven semi-finals, advancing to the finals in each of these matches.

• In contrast, South Africa has faced challenges in the semi-final stage.

• Having played four semi-finals since 1992, the Proteas have experienced setbacks in each of these matches, often referred to as "choking."

South Africa's chasing woes

• South Africa has grappled with chasing difficulties in ODIs, a trend continuing in this World Cup.
• During the tournament, South Africa faced losses in two matches while chasing, against Netherlands and India, with a narrow 1-wicket win against Pakistan.
• Over the past year, South Africa has won 14 out of 20 ODIs while batting first but faced defeats in 6 out of 13 matches while chasing.
• In this World Cup, South Africa's scoring run-rate when batting second is notably lower at 4.78 compared to 7.5 runs when batting first.
• The toss assumes significance, with Australia likely to opt to bat first against South Africa, known for their challenges in chasing.
• South Africa aim to shed their 'chokers' tag and advance to the finals on November 19, 2023.

This sets the stage for a compelling semi-final clash between Australia and South Africa, with both teams having contrasting histories in this crucial stage of the tournament.