Australia overcame South Africa by 3 wickets in the second semi-final of the World Cup to advance to the final. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, but they were immediately put under pressure by Australia’s bowlers. Australia reduced South Africa to 44/4 in the 14th over before rain interrupted play for over 50 minutes. Upon the resumption of play, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the innings for South Africa, putting on a partnership of 95 runs. However, Travis Head dismissed both Klaasen and Marco Jansen off consecutive deliveries to put Australia back on top. Miller then went on to score a century, but South Africa were eventually bowled out for 212.
Australia’s chase was also far from straightforward. They lost three wickets for just 20 runs in the first seven overs, but Glenn Maxwell then produced one of the greatest ODI innings of all time. He scored 201 not out off 128 balls, including 179 runs in 102 balls after suffering a hamstring injury. Maxwell’s innings, along with Pat Cummins’s 12 off 68 balls, helped Australia reach the target of 213 with three wickets in hand.
South Africa vs Australia Match Key points:
- South Africa won the toss and chose to bat.
- South Africa and Australia have met just twice in the knockouts of the World Cup before this.
- South Africa finished second on the points table while Australia finished third.
- Rain interrupted play after the 14th over for over 50 minutes.
- Klaasen and Miller then put up 95 for the fifth wicket before Head got the former and Jansen out off consecutive deliveries.
- Miller scored his 25th ODI fifty shortly thereafter and fell on 101 off 116 balls.
- South Africa were all out for 212.Australia reached the target of 213 with 3 wickets in hand.
- Glenn Maxwell was the top scorer for Australia with 201 not out off 128 balls. This was Australia’s fifth win in the tournament after losing the first two matches.