In the semi final of CWC 2023, Australia and South Africa faced each other in order to qualify for the final. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. South Africa, who chose to bat first, could never have predicted the circumstances that confronted them. There were clouds everywhere and the weather was ideal for an English Test match. James Anderson, of a certain sort, would have approved. After South Africa was reduced to 24/4 by Starc and Hazlewood, it appeared that a rematch of the 2007 semifinal was imminent. However, Miller and Klaasen soothed their side’s worries with a 95-run stand, assisted by a rain delay. As things were starting to get out of hand, Cummins got Head in and he took 2 off of 2 balls in his opening over. However, Miller persisted and scored his most brilliant innings to give South Africa a chance in this match. When Zampa hammered all five of his sixes into the leggie, he was very harsh with him. Will 213 suffice? Most likely not, although South Africa will anticipate help under the lights, and there’s a lot of spin available as well.

In the run chase, Despite their best efforts, South Africa was unable to surpass Australia despite fighting with great courage and perseverance. Although South Africa should be commended for persevering through the entire game with just 212 runs scored, they ultimately had to face the reality that 212 was at least 20–30 runs short on this surface. Australia had a great start thanks to Head and Warner, and their efforts at the top of the order might have made all the difference. After Markram broke the stand, Maharaj removed the dangerous Head to let South Africa to return to the game. After Markram broke the stand, Maharaj removed the dangerous Head to let South Africa to return to the game. From then on, the score alternated between the two teams. Labuschagne and Maxwell fell quickly after Shamsi and Maharaj found significant turn, and they left Australia on 119/5. Heartbreak ensues for South Africa, whose record in World Cup knockouts remains dismal, while Australia, the tournament’s juggernaut, advances to the final after winning eight straight games. This game had it all—the thrills and the spills. If you revisit this game later, the scorecard might not have revealed it, but it was an absolute nail-biter.