The skies above Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India were heavy with grey clouds, humidity, and the anticipation of the upcoming Cricket World Cup Final. The city had been bustling with the celebrations of Diwali and Kali Puja, but the focus on Thursday was on the semifinal match between South Africa and Australia.
The Australian team exuded confidence and swagger, with captain Pat Cummins highlighting their experience in high-pressure situations. In contrast, South African captain Temba Bavuma openly admitted to feeling nervous, setting the stage for a tense battle.
South Africa’s decision to bat first proved to be an invitation to Australia’s formidable bowling attack. With Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood leading the charge, South Africa struggled in the powerplay, losing early wickets and failing to establish momentum.
Despite a valiant effort from David Miller, South Africa could only manage to score 212 runs. In response, Australia’s aggressive batting, led by Travis Head and David Warner, dominated the powerplay and set the tone for a comfortable chase.
Despite some resistance from South Africa’s spinners, Australia eventually sealed the win, solidifying their place in the Cricket World Cup Final. The match was a demonstration of Australia’s dominance and South Africa’s struggles in the face of their relentless opponents.