Australia reached their record-extending 8th World Cup final after clinching a thrilling 3-wicket win over South Africa in the second semifinal. The 5-time Champions will now face hosts India for the coveted trophy on Sunday.
Who’d have thought that a first innings total of 212 would produce a thrilling tie? But that’s what exactly happened at the Eden Gardens.
Having won the toss and opted to bat, SA were rocked early, losing 4 wickets for just 24 runs on the board. However, a 95-run partnership between Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller rescued some momentum for the Proteas.
Even as wickets fell at the other end, David Miller played a brilliant hand, becoming the first South African batter to hit a hundred in World Cup knockouts as Proteas stumbled to 212.
The Aussies started off with bang, a 60-run opening partnership in 6 overs. However, South Africa clawed their way back with quick wickets.
Travis Head’s departure for 62 further provided an opening and even as wickets fell at regular intervals, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins held their nerves to eke out a tense 3-wicket finish.
It was a story of so near and yet so far for South Africa once again. They were unable to break their semifinal jinx, their 5th loss at this stage of the World Cup in history.