SA vs AUS: Australia triumphs in low-scoring thriller, set to face India in ODI World Cup Final in Ahmedabad

A gripping low-scoring 2nd semi-final between South Africa and Australia concluded with the Aussies winning the clash by 3 wickets in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They have now advanced to the FINAL and are set to face India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

This marks Australia's presence in the final in 1975, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and now in 2023.

Chasing a target of 213 runs, opener Travis Head played a brisk knock of 62, but Australia faced a setback, losing five wickets. Head, along with David Warner, who contributed 29, provided a strong start before South Africa mounted a comeback. Aiden Markram dismissed Warner, and Kagiso Rabada removed Mitchell Marsh for a duck, while Head, who survived drops on 40 and 57, aimed to continue batting.

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Australia found themselves in trouble at 137-5 as Keshav Maharaj bowled Head, and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi took quick wickets having trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw for 18 and bowled Glenn Maxwell for one in the following over. 

Steve Smith (30) and Josh Inglis (28) attempted to finish the game, but Gerald Coetzee thwarted their efforts. Later, pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins sealed the innings.

Earlier, in the first innings, after winning the toss, the Australian pacers dominated as the Temba Bavuma-led side posted just 212 runs. David Miller's century played a crucial role in helping his team reach a competitive total against the formidable Australians. Australia's all-rounder Travis Head secured back-to-back wickets to break a strong partnership between David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.

Despite Miller's resilient century, the subsequent batters — Marco Jansen (0), Gerald Coetzee (19), and Keshav Maharaj (4) — failed to offer significant support. Kagiso Rabada made a late effort to boost the score but was dismissed for 10 in the final over.