The history has repeated itself at the mega stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Australia as it reminded everyone of the 1999 WC semi-final between the same two sides. South Africa were bundled out for 212 in 49.4 overs against five-time champions Australia on Thursday at Eden Gardens. David Miller was the lone fighter for the Proteas with a fine century to help them cross the 200-run mark.
South Africa put up a target of 213 for Australia on a tricky batting surface. Interestingly, 213 was what Australia scored in the 1999 World Cup semifinal after South Africa opted to field first. The 1999 clash was ended in a tie after the Proteas got bowled out for the same score – 213. Another major coincidence between the two games is the exact number of overs South Africa got bowled out on both occasions – 49.4 overs.
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There was no super-over rule at that time as Australia progressed to the final after they finished higher in the Super Six table than the Proteas. However, it won’t be the case this time if the match ends in a tie as a super over will take place to decide the second finalists who are going to face India at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on November 19.
Meanwhile, South Africa batsman David Miller hit a fighting 101 to help South Africa cross the 200-run mark as the other batters failed on the big occasion at Eden Gardens.
South Africa fell to 24-4 after they elected to bat first at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens before the left-handed Miller hit back in a 95-run stand with Heinrich Klaasen (47).
Miller reached his ton off 115 balls as he smashed Australian skipper Pat Cummins for six over deep-wicket.
However, two balls later, Cummins was celebrating when he had Miller caught by Travis Head at deep square leg.
South Africa are trying to reach their first-ever World Cup final after faltering in four semi-finals including two against Australia in 1999 and 2007.
They played impressive cricket in the group phase where they won seven of nine matches.
Brief scores: South Africa 212 all out in 49.4 overs (D. Miller 101, H. Klaasen 47; M. Starc 3-34, P. Cummins 3-51) v Australia
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