Match: South Africa vs Australia, semi-final 2
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date: 16 November, 2023, 2.00 PM IST
On Thursday, the clash between South Africa and Australia unfolds in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023’s second semi-final at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. South Africa wrapped up their league stage journey, claiming the second position in the league table after notching up 14 points from nine matches, securing seven victories and encountering two defeats.
In contrast, Australia secured their semi-final berth by finishing third in the league standings with 14 points. Their journey included seven wins and two losses in nine encounters.
When the two teams match in the league stage of the tournament, South Africa won by a margin of more than 100 runs. Quinton de Kock’s century took them to a total of 311 in 50 overs, in reply to which Australia were bowled out for 177 as none of their batsmen could reach a half century. Kagiso Rabada picked up three wickets while Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi took two each.
South Africa has demonstrated impressive performance in their recent encounters with Australia, winning nine out of their last eleven men’s ODIs. Notably, they have secured victory in their last four consecutive matches against Australia, and will be looking for a fifth straight win on Thursday. However, Australia has shown remarkable resilience and form, bouncing back after a loss to South Africa in Lucknow on October 12. Following that defeat, they have strung together an impressive streak of seven consecutive wins.
Ahead of the second semifinal of the Cricket World Cup 2023, here is everything you need to know to maximize your chances of winning cash prizes on MPL fantasy.
Weather update and pitch report
Eden Gardens is renowned for offering batting-friendly pitches. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, potentially favouring spinners. Toss will play a crucial role at the Eden Gardens because teams batting first have won 10 of the past 13 games at this venue.
The weather, unfortunately, could play spoilsport to the game. There are chances of a thunderstorm in Kolkata on match day.
South Africa team news and predicted XI
Team news: Temba Bavuma has not completely recovered from a hamstring injury, and whether he plays or not will be decided on match day.
Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Predicted XI: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (capt)/Reeza Hendricks, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Gerald Coetzee, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
Australia team news and predicted XI
Team news: Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis did not play in Australia’s final group game against Bangladesh, but only one of them will return, as Glenn Maxwell is also fit to play.
Squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Predicted XI: 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Josh Inglis (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Head-to-head record
In the overall head-to-head record in ODIs, South Africa holds a slight edge over Australia, boasting 55 wins compared to Australia’s 50. This includes their initial encounter at the 1992 World Cup. Notably, in their recent 18 meetings since September 2016, South Africa has emerged victorious in 15, inserting their dominance.
Five players to watch out for
Here we list five players you must pick in your MPL fantasy team for SA vs AUS, semi-final 2
Quinton de Kock – wicketkeeper batsman, South Africa
Quinton de Kock has been a pivotal force for South Africa in the World Cup, making a substantial impact on his team’s performance. His contributions have played a crucial role in South Africa posting formidable totals, particularly in the first innings, giving them a competitive edge in many contests throughout the tournament. De Kock’s impressive tally of 591 runs at an average of 65.66 underscores his consistent and influential batting.
David Warner – batsman, Australia
David Warner is the top run-scorer for Australia at the 2023 World Cup. He has amassed 499 runs in 9 matches at an average of 55.44. Warner comes into this game on the back of a half century against Bangladesh in the last group game and will be looking to carry the momentum into the big semi-final. Warner brings with him plenty of experience and is also a good choice for your MPL team’s captaincy for this game.
Adam Zampa – bowler, Australia
Adam Zampa is the leading wicket taker for Australia so far in the tournament. The leg-spinner has taken 22 wickets at an average of 18.90. However, his worst spell in the tournament came against South Africa in the group stage and he will be looking to avoid a repeat of the same in the knockout match. Zampa registered 2 for 32 in his previous outing and will look to carry that momentum into the next match.
Marco Jansen – bowler, South Africa
The tall left-armer has been picking wickets regularly, securing an impressive total of 17 wickets at an average of 24.41. 11 of these wickets have come in the last five matches. In the league match against Australia, Zampa picked up two wickets.
Rassie van der Dussen – batsman, South Africa
Rassie van der Dussen is the second top run scorer for South Africa in the tournament. He has scored 442 runs in nine games at an average of 55.25 and a strike rate of 88.57. He scored an unbeaten 76 in the previous game against Afghanistan. Given his form, Rassie van der Dussen is a good pick in your MPL fantasy team.
MPL XI for South Africa vs Australia, semifinal 2
SA vs AUS – where and what time to watch the match live in India
The South Africa vs Australia ODI will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India. You can also watch the game on the Disney + Hotstar app. The match will begin at 2.00 PM IST on November 16.
Check out our detailed guide on fantasy cricket for more tips and tricks. https://www.mpl.live/blog/todays-match-prediction/
Note: The players recommended here need not be a part of the Playing 11 on game day. Users are advised to do their own research also and follow official sources and create their teams.
