ICC World Cup 2023: Mighty Australia enters mega final

KOLKATA: It is Australia which will clash with India in the upcoming World Cup 2023 final this Sunday. In the second semifinal held tonight, Australia clinched victory by three wickets against South Africa, effectively ending South Africa's tournament journey in yet another ICC event, marking another disappointing exit for the team.

South Africa opted to bat after winning the toss but encountered a rocky start, losing four wickets for a mere 24 runs. Despite this setback, Klassen (47) and Miller's partnership of 95 runs steadied the innings until Klassen fell just shy of three runs from victory. Miller (101) persisted but couldn't secure a substantial score, resulting in South Africa being all out for 212 runs in 49.4 overs, with Mitchell Starc (3/34) and Pat Cummins (3/51) taking two wickets each.

Australia commenced their chase confidently, with openers David Warner and Travis Head (62) setting a solid foundation with a 60-run partnership for the first wicket. Although South Africa's bowlers, particularly Keshav Maharaj, Tabriaz Shamsi (2/42), and Gerald Coetzee (2/44), attempted to break through at regular intervals, Australia ultimately scored 215/7 in 47.2 overs.

The impending final will determine whether Australia secures its sixth World Cup title or if India claims its third.

Scorecard

South Africa: 212/10 (49.4 overs)

Australia: 215/7 (47.2 overs)