Australia secured their place in the eighth World Cup final after a resilient three-wicket victory over South Africa at the challenging Eden Gardens. Pat Cummins led his team through tricky conditions, setting up a title clash against hosts India in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Despite a valiant effort from Temba Bavuma and his team, South Africa faced disappointment in their fifth consecutive semi-final, falling short once again in their quest for a World Cup breakthrough.
In the face of a formidable challenge, Temba Bavuma’s decision to bat paid off as David Miller’s exceptional sixth ODI century propelled South Africa to a total of 212. However, defending this below-par score proved to be an uphill battle. Australia’s explosive start, devouring 60 runs in the initial six overs, nullified the impact of South Africa’s spin-based slowdown and collapse in the middle overs. The seasoned leadership of Captain Cummins and Mitchell Starc calmly guided Australia, adding 22 crucial runs in the final stretch, ultimately steering them across the finish line.
The pivotal contrast between the teams materialized during the first PowerPlay, where South Africa labored for 53 balls to register their initial boundary, whereas Australia swiftly notched up theirs in just two balls. Travis Head, named Player of the Match, played a defining role, contributing 62 runs off 48 balls—a innings that significantly shaped the course of the chase. Head’s impactful performance included not only his batting prowess but also a crucial turning point when he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen in consecutive deliveries, further solidifying Australia’s control over the game.
South Africa’s only semblance of control in the game emerged when their spinners took charge. Aiden Markram made an immediate impact with the first ball of spin introduced by Temba Bavuma, claiming the wicket of David Warner with a subtle turn. Keshav Maharaj, strategically held back until the 15th over and brought in as the final bowler, replicated the success with his inaugural delivery, dismissing the hard-hitting Travis Head. These moments of spin mastery briefly tilted the game in South Africa’s favor, showcasing the effectiveness of their spin bowling strategy.
The strategic calmness exhibited by Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj in the subsequent overs following Travis Head’s dismissal proved pivotal, culminating in the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne’s attempt at an ill-advised reverse-sweep against the legspinner proved costly as he was trapped in front. Shamsi continued to make an impact, adding the wicket of Glenn Maxwell to his tally, further denting Australia’s progress and leaving them at 137/5 in the match. Shamsi and Maharaj’s disciplined bowling played a decisive role in tightening the contest during the middle overs.
The key for South Africa was always to dismiss Australia, but unfortunately, the half-chances eluded them. Quinton de Kock faced difficulty in holding onto a couple of challenging chances behind the stumps. However, it’s the dropped catch of Travis Head by Reeza Hendricks on 40 that will haunt South Africa. The bowler at that moment, Gerald Coetzee, did manage to come back and take wickets, dismissing Steve Smith and Josh Inglis. Despite these breakthroughs, South Africa’s challenge was hindered by the modest total on the board. The fact that they reached a respectable score, especially recovering from 24 for 4, was largely attributed to David Miller’s extraordinary innings.
Josh Hazlewood’s initial spell showcased his mastery with an impressive record of 6-1-12-2. In this impactful period, he dismissed Quinton de Kock, caught at mid-on after a sequence of dot balls, and Rassie van der Dussen, who edged one to second slip. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc was equally formidable at the other end, delivering a relentless seven-over spell that yielded 2 wickets for 18 runs. Among his victims was Aiden Markram, who succumbed to an edge, finding his way to backward point. Hazlewood and Starc’s early strikes set a strong foundation for Australia’s dominance in the crucial phases of the match.
The new-ball bowlers for Australia, with their impeccable lines and lengths, coupled with outstanding ground fielding, created a stifling environment for South Africa. At the conclusion of the initial 10 overs, South Africa struggled to reach 18/2. In stark contrast, when Australia was at a similar stage in their chase, they were racing ahead at an impressive 74/2. The stark difference in the two teams’ progress highlighted Australia’s early dominance and the effectiveness of their bowling and fielding strategy.
Australia’s journey to the eighth World Cup final was marked by a hard-fought three-wicket victory over South Africa in challenging conditions at Eden Gardens. The resilient performance from Pat Cummins’ side has earned them a spot in the title clash, where they will face hosts India in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The intense battle and triumph in adverse conditions showcase Australia’s determination as they vie for World Cup glory against the formidable Indian team.
