Thursday turned out be an one other heartbreak for South Africa as Australia crushed their hopes of lifting the ODI World Cup 2023 title. The Proteas confronted a surprising three-wicket defeat towards the Aussies within the semi-final, which turned out to be a low-scoring thriller in Kolkata. Chasing a below-par rating of 213, Australia misplaced stored on shedding wickets at common intervals however Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc held their nerves and took their aspect throughout the road with 16 balls to spare.
Notorious for holding the ‘chokers’ tag, South Africa have been one of many robust contenders to win the match. Nevertheless, their elimination has now invited some criticism as former South Africa spinner Imran Tahir lashed out at skipper Temba Bavuma for his poor captaincy.
“It’s all about mindset. In case you are going out on the sphere, are you going as a warrior? You’re persisting with a bowler who’s bowling 90mph (Coetzee), however you did not preserve a slip for him. Then, you concede a 4 from slips after they want 25 runs to win. As a captain, and whilst senior gamers, it’s best to know such issues,” Tahir mentioned on Star Sports activities after the match.
“This can be a massive recreation, not a traditional, bilateral match. Children do not understand what extra this bunch might’ve achieved. Positive, a South African group will finally attain a remaining. Children will come. We believed on this group, and so they will not be the primary heroes to achieve the ultimate. Should you preserve squandering such possibilities… in the present day, the bottom was full. There are 54 million South Africans who have been behind you. Personally, I am very disillusioned. Give me a South Africa package proper now, I am able to struggle even at this age,” he added.
Speaking concerning the match, Travis Head starred with bat and ball as Australia arrange a World Cup remaining conflict with India after a tense three-wicket win over South Africa.
Chasing a tough 213 for victory, Australia wobbled after Head hit 62 however Steve Smith (30) and Josh Inglis (28) helped the five-time champions attain their goal with 16 balls to spare.
As Australia reached an eighth World Cup remaining, South Africa have been left to rue a fifth semi-final loss regardless of David Miller‘s 101.
Australia slipped to 137-5 after which 193-7 earlier than Mitchell Starc (16) and skipper Pat Cummins (14) stored their nerve to steer the group house.
(With AFP Inputs)
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