Istafa Ali
After a tense victory against South Africa in the second semi-final of the World Cup on Thursday, Australia ensured their spot in the final match against India, which will take place on Sunday.
1975, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 AND 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣!
Australia are through to yet another ICC Men's @cricketworldcup final 🤯#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/je7UGytC0U
— ICC (@ICC) November 16, 2023
Despite David Miller’s determined score of 101, Australia was able to bowl out South Africa for a score that was below par, which was 212. However, the chase was not as easy as Pat Cummins and his team had hoped it would be.
Australia got off to a rousing start, led by Travis Head with 62 runs, but a slump in the middle of the innings placed the defending champions in a difficult position.
South Africa did not allow large partnerships to develop, but Australia was able to win the match in the end with 16 balls to spare thanks to cameos from Steve Smith (30) and Jos Inglis (28), who both scored crucial runs.
And then there were two 🇮🇳 🇦🇺
Presenting the #CWC23 finalists 🤩 pic.twitter.com/vv0L57egeY
— ICC (@ICC) November 16, 2023
Earlier on, Temba Bavuma made the poor choice to bat under a cloudy sky, which resulted in South Africa falling to 24-4 inside just 12 overs before light rain halted play.
After play was resumed, a combination between Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (47) that scored 95 runs stopped the deterioration, but Head’s double strike placed Australia back in the driver’s seat.
Miller hit Cummins for a six to bring up his hundred, but then he fell in the same over while trying to clear the rope again.
India advanced to the championship match in Ahmedabad by virtue of their victory over New Zealand in the first semi-final match on Wednesday.
