ODI World Cup: Fans question what is wrong with Australia after disastrous loss vs South Africa

In the 10th match of the World Cup 2023, it turned out to be a dire situation for the Australians.

Australia captain Pat Cummins

Before the commencement of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, cricket pundits were polled on their predictions for the top four teams in the tournament. Many expressed confidence in Australia's prospects, while South Africa hardly received any consideration as a contender. Nevertheless, in the 10th match of the mega event, these two teams clashed in their second game of the tournament, and it turned out to be a dire situation for the Australians.

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Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Australia's fortunes took a hit due to multiple fielding blunders, including the shoddy effort of dropping seven catches. Consequently, South Africa managed to amass a total of 311 runs while losing seven wickets in the process. As for Australia, they managed to score just 177 runs before becoming all-out in 40.5 overs.

Upon coming out to bat, the Australian team faced a batting collapse, with David Warner (13) and Steven Smith (19) being the only ones to reach double digits in the top order. The partnership between Marnus Labuschagne (46) and Mitchell Starc (27) provided some relief, but following their dismissals, the Aussies found themselves in dire straits, left with only their bowlers to navigate the remaining overs. Pat Cummins (22) and Adam Zampa (11) tried to play fearless cricket, but it was already too late.

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Kagiso Rabada excelled as a bowler, securing three crucial wickets, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj each bagged two wickets. Lungi Ngidi also contributed with a solitary dismissal.

The sight of Australian batters collapsing like a house of cards left cricket enthusiasts pondering what might be amiss with a team once regarded as formidable and menacing.

Pat Cummins' squad suffered a heavy 134-run defeat against the Proteas. As a result, Australia finds itself in the 9th position on the points table with a negative Net Run Rate (NRR) and back-to-back losses, whereas South Africa, boasting a positive NRR, has claimed the top position, displacing New Zealand.

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