Road to Final: Semi-Final Fever Grips Eden Gardens as South Africa and Australia Prepare for ICC ODI World Cup Showdown

Varad Bhatkhande

Kolkata, 16th November 2023: Cricket enthusiasts around the globe are gearing up for the electrifying semi-final clash between South Africa and Australia at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The winner of this do-or-die encounter will earn the right to face host nation India in the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The atmosphere is charged with anticipation after India’s resounding victory over New Zealand, securing their place in the final with a convincing 70-run win. Now, all eyes are on the clash between South Africa, the number two team in the tournament, and Australia, ranked third in the points table.

In the league stage, South Africa showcased dominance over Australia, defeating them by a staggering 134 runs, with Quinton de Kock’s brilliant century stealing the spotlight. However, Australia has since turned the tide in their favour, winning seven consecutive matches and entering the semi-finals in impressive form. The unpredictable nature of knockout matches leaves fans speculating on which team will emerge victorious.

Australia’s Adam Zampa has been the standout bowler in the tournament, leading the wicket charts. However, concerns arise about the overall performance of the Australian bowling unit, which could be exploited by the South African batting lineup. South Africa, on the other hand, faces historical challenges with choking at critical moments and a struggle while batting second.

No major changes are expected from either team, maintaining the stability that has brought them success so far in the tournament.

Eden Gardens, known for its balanced conditions favouring both batsmen and bowlers, sets the stage for an intense battle. The pitch provides good bounce with the new ball, and a high-scoring match is anticipated. In the 39 ODIs played at this venue, the team batting first has emerged victorious 23 times, while the team batting second has won 15 times. The average first innings score is 244, with the second innings averaging 199.

However, the looming threat of rain adds a layer of uncertainty to the match. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a 50% likelihood of rain affecting Kolkata on the match day, attributed to the development of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. In the event of a washout, the ICC has designated a reserve day on November 17th.

If the match remains incomplete due to rain on both the scheduled and reserve days, the team that finished higher in the league stage points table will advance to the final. In the event of a continuous downpour leading to a complete washout of the game, South Africa’s second-place finish and Australia’s third-place standing dictate that South Africa will meet India in the showdown at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Cricket fans worldwide will be holding their breath as these two cricketing giants clash for a coveted spot in the World Cup final.