Kolkata: It will be India versus Australia in the ODI World Cup final on November 19.
In the second semifinal at Eden Gardens here on Thursday night, Australia pipped South Africa by 3 wickets in a low-scoring thriller.
Chasing 213 on a tricky pitch assisting spinners under lights, Australia survived some anxious moments and a plucky South African fight to sneak home with 16 balls to spare.
It will be Australia’s eighth ODI World Cup final, and the second time they will be facing India for the coveted Cup. In the 2003 final at Johannesburg, Australia routed India by 125 runs. For South Africa, their semifinal jinx continues.
The Australians let South Africa off the hook after reducing them to 24/4 on an overcast afternoon. David Miller rescued the Proteas with a brilliant 101, well supported by Heinrich Klaasen’s 47.
In the end, they did well to cross 200.
Australia got off to a flier through David Warner (29 off 18 balls) and Man-of-the-Match Travis Head (62 off 48 and 2/21). But spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi pegged the Aussies back.
South Africa missed four chances, but despite that, the game looked to be in the balance at 174/6. However, lower-order batsmen Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins showed great composure to guide Aussies over the line.
Brief scores: South Africa 212 in 49.4 overs (David Miller 101, Heinrich Klaasen 47; Mitchell Starc 3/34, Pat Cummins 3/51). Australia 213/y in 4x.y overs.
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets.
Man of the Match: Travis Head.
Final: India vs Australia on Nov 19 (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad).
