World Cup 2023 | AUS vs SA, Semi-final 2 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-loybz1gnDavid Warner will be important for Australia in the second semi-final of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)


In the second semi-final of the World Cup 2023, Australia will be facing South Africa. The match will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, the 16th of December, at 2:00 PM IST. Ahead of the match, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests.

Australia did not get the greatest of the starts in this tournament. They lost their first two games against India and South Africa and had their back to the walls. But the Australian mentality came to the forefront, and they started turning their campaign around. They have made it to the top four and will be eager to move ahead and win their sixth World title.

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South Africa, on the other hand, have been at their A-game from the very beginning of the tournament. Barring a slip-up against the Netherlands and being outdone by the Indians, the team have been playing decent cricket. Temba Bavuma will try to keep the unit switched on and become the first South African skipper to win the World Cup trophy.


SA vs AUS, Semi-final 2: Toss Factor

The pitch at the Eden Gardens promises to be a balanced one. Batters ready to spend some time at the wicket will be rewarded. Also, the bowlers who can be disciplined with their line and length will benefit from the wicket. 

However, the numbers of this World Cup suggest that the Eden Gardens pitch will be better for batting in the first innings. And under lights, the seamers will be challenging to play. 

Eden Gardens, World Cup 2023 Records

Matches: 4
Matches Won Batting First: 3
Matches Won Batting Second: 1

Average First Innings Total: 274
Average Second Innings Total: 168
Highest Total Recorded: 337/9 by England vs Pakistan
Lowest Total Recorded: 82/10 by South Africa vs India


AUS vs SA, Semi-final 2: Top Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

If Australia Bats First

If Australia bats first, they will look to put on a big total and defend it with their bowling to make it to their sixth final of the World Cup. In the scenario, David Warner will become a significant pick for the fantasy contests of the match. 

While defending, Adam Zampa will play a big part as he is currently in great wicket-taking form. But this being a big occasion and the reputation that precedes Mitchell Starc, he too will be a good choice for the match. 

Also, with South Africa chasing, players like Aiden Markam and Heinrich Klaasen will be the game's very important pick.


If South Africa Bats First

If South Africa gets to set a target in the match, Quinton de Kock will become a vital pick for the fantasy contests of the match. He is in great form and, in most of the games, has set up the stage for a good score by his team. 

Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Nigidi will also bear much significance in how South Africa defend the total. But in this scenario, Steve Smith will be a good choice as he likes to perform under pressure and bail his team out. 


AUS vs SA, Semi-final 2: Important Stats for the Match

Quinton de Kock (SA)

  • In ODI World Cup 2023: 591 Runs in 9 Matches at an average of 65.67

Rassie van der Dussen (SA)

  • In ODI World Cup 2023: 442 Runs in 9 Matches at an average of 55.25

Heinrich Klaasen (SA)

  • vs Australia: 531 Runs in 12 Matches at an average of 59.00

David Warner (AUS)

  • vs South Africa: 1,226 Runs in 29 matches at an average of 42.48

Adam Zampa (AUS)

  • In World Cup 2023: 22 Wickets in 9 Matches at an average of 18.91


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