Australia will lock horns with South Africa in the second semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. The two sides share a strong rivalry and thus will be at each other’s throats to etch out a win and seal their place in the finals. With a hint of rain in Kolkata, Australia will look to field their strongest playing XI against the Proteas at Eden Gardens on 16th November.
Aussies too have unfinished business with the South African side. Prior to the World Cup, Australia went 2-0 up in a 5-match ODI series which they ended up losing. In their group stage clash, the Proteas humiliated the Aussie by clinching a 134-run win, therefore with revenge on their mind, the Aussie will go with all guns blazing.
The Men in Yellow will be heavily reliant on their heavy batting unit. Both David Warner and Travis Head have flared well in the Cricket World Cup. Warner has already amassed 499 runs from 9 matches and is placed 5th in the list of Most runs scored. Travis Head too made his return to the team midway during the tournament and slammed a ton on his first game.
Down the order comes the deadly Mitchell Marsh. The hero of the previous encounter against Bangladesh with an unbeaten 177-run knock will be ready to face the Proteas. At number 4 comes the formidable Steve Smith. Josh Inglis comes in handy and can finish the innings for his.
But the trouble remains regarding Glenn Maxwell. The destructive all-rounder helped Australia clinch a magnificent win with his fiery double-century against Afghanistan and thus his inclusion in the team can mean Stoinis does not get a chance. This remains a headache for skipper Pat Cummins.
As for the bowling department, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, and Marcus Stoinis lead the charge. Adam Zampa will look to weave his magic on a slow and turning pitch in Kolkata.
Australia Predicted XI vs SA
1. David Warner
2. Travis Head
3. Mitchell Marsh
4. Steven Smith
5. Marnus Labuschagne
6. Josh Inglis (wk)
7. Marcus Stoinis/Glenn Maxwell
8. Sean Abbott
9. Pat Cummins (c)
10. Adam Zampa
11. Josh Hazlewood
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