When it comes to the 50-over World Cup, Australia evoke a sense of fear and anxiety among their rivals, having won five of the 12 titles so far -- of which four have come in the last six editions -- as they are known for thriving in big moments.
It's been the opposite story for South Africa who have reached the semi-finals four times from nine editions, but it's always been a tale of being so-near-yet-so-far.
When the two powerhouses meet at Kolkata Eden Gardens on Thursday, here is what you need to know.
South Africa vs Australia ICC World Cup semifinal Pitch Report: The Eden Gardens pitch is expected to be slow and offer a lot of assistance to the spinners. It definitely is not a batters's paradise where one may find hitting through the line easy. According to some reports, the overhead conditions could also assist the fast bowlers for a little while.
South Africa vs Australia ODI World Cup semifinal Weather Forecast: The City of Joy is reportedly not going to witness weather conditions ideal for an ODI on Thursday as there is the likelihood of showers. The humidity is expected to reach 77% in the afternoon, with a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, the First Post said in a report.
South Africa Playing XI (probable): Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia Playing XI (probable): David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Stay tuned to The Week for more updates.
