The second semi-final match of the World Cup 2023 will be played between South Africa and Australia today at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Whoever emerges victorious today will face India in the final on November 19. The Indian team defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final. Let us know who will be helped by the pitch in the match between South Africa and Australia?
The second semi-final match of the World Cup 2023 between South Africa and Australia (SA vs AUS) is to be played at the Eden Gardens ground in Kolkata. Batsmen dominate this ground. The last match was played between England and Pakistan on this ground, where the English team, batting first, scored 337 runs on the score board. However, not many big scores have been seen here in this World Cup. Along with the batsmen, the pitch also provides good help to the fast bowlers in the beginning.
The Eden Gardens ground has hosted a total of 39 ODI matches so far. Out of these, in 23 matches the team batting first has won, while in 15 matches the team chasing has won. That is, the decision to bat first after winning the toss has proved to be more effective on this ground.
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Dew can also play an important role in the semi-finals, in such a situation the captain will want to bowl first after winning the toss. The average score in the first innings on this ground has been 242, while the average score in the second innings is 198.
After being rested in the last league match against Bangladesh, Glenn Maxwell will return to the playing eleven in the semi-final match against South Africa. Maxwell single-handedly got Australia a ticket to the semi-finals by playing a memorable inning of 201 runs against Afghanistan. If Maxwell returns to the team, either Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis will have to sit out.
At the same time, Mitchell Starc's return to the team against South Africa is also considered certain. However, there is some doubt about Starc's fitness. If Starc returns to the playing eleven, Sean Abbott will have to sit on the bench.
There is a big question over the fitness of South African captain Temba Bavuma. However, Bavuma took part in the practice session in Kolata, due to which it is believed that he will be fully fit by the semi-final match. The team had rested its main fast bowler Marco Jensen against Afghanistan, so he will return to the playing eleven against Australia. Andile Phehlukwayo will have to sit out when Jensen returns to the team.
