Rain halts South Africa – Australia semi; Proteas 44 for four

Kolkata: The 2023 Cricket World Cup second semi-final match between Australia and South Africa has been interrupted by rain. After winning the toss and batting, South Africa were standing at 44 for 4 in 14 overs and the rain came.

It was a poor start for the Proteas. It was very difficult for the batsmen to score runs against the Aussie pacers. Four wickets fell while scoring 24 runs. Captain Themba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dassen are out.

Mitchell Starc dismissed opener and captain Themba Bavuma in the first over of the innings. Bavuma returned without a run after facing just four balls. De Kock, who struggled to score runs, was also dismissed. De Kock, who took just three runs off 14 balls, was bowled by Josh Hazelwood to Pat Cummins. With this, South Africa fell to the level of two wickets for eight runs.

After that, Aidan Markram and Rassie van der Dassen, who joined the crease, started the rescue operation, but it did not happen. Starc again dealt a blow to South Africa by dismissing Markham for 10 off 20 balls. With this, South Africa faltered. After that, with the dismissal of Dassan, South Africa sank to the score of four wickets for 24.

South African captain Themba Bavuma, who won the toss earlier, chose to bat. There are two changes in the South African line-up. Tabriz Shamsi replaces Lungi Ngidi in the squad. Andile Phehlukuwayo is replaced by Marco Jansson. There are two changes in the Australian team. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell returned while Shaun Abbott and Marcus Stoinis lost their places.

South Africa was second in the preliminary round with 14 points. South Africa, who have not yet reached the World Cup final, are now full of hope. They hope to overcome Australia on current form. And the losses to Australia in the 1999 and 2007 semi-finals must be accounted for.

Five-time champions Australia are aiming for an eighth final. Australia was third in the group stage after winning seven matches. South Africa won when the two teams met in the preliminary round.