The Cricket World Cup is down to the last four with three of those being predicted pre-tournament semi-finalists. South Africa have been the surprise package but they have never been beyond the semi-finals at the men’s Cricket World Cup.
Wednesday 15 November
India 34/100 | Tie 25/1 | New Zealand 23/10 (10:30)
New Zealand are up against it in every way possible as they head to the Wankhede to face a rampant India.
The Black Caps have not played at the Wankede through the tournament while the hosts were at the venue less than two weeks ago when they thumped Sri Lanka.
New Zealand have endured a wave of injuries which appears to have settled with the return of Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson.
However, they won’t be able to resist the unstoppable blue tide, if the round-robin phase was a good indicator of form.
India’s senior players have led the charge for them in this World Cup and Virat Kohli stands on the brink of cricket history as he chases his 50th ODI ton.
Skipper Rohit Sharma has played numerous selfless knocks to set India up throughout the tournament.
You can’t talk about India without mentioning the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Verdict: India 34/100
The pressure will be ramped up now that they’re in the play-offs, but I expect the hosts to book their spot in the final here.
Thursday 16 November
South Africa 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 72/100 (10:30)
South Africa have brute forced their way into the semi-finals with belligerent batting when they are allowed to bat first.
The toss will be important when South Africa face Australia at Eden Gardens but that picture will be complicated by potential issues with the weather.
If the match is totally rained off South Africa will progress by virtue of their better round-robin record.
Man for man, Australia don’t match the levels of form that South Africa have achieved but they have proven a more resilient unit down the years and that counts in semi-final cricket.
Australia’s determination was exemplified in that glorious double hundred struck by Glenn Maxwell with Australia on the ropes against Afghanistan.
For all the talk of South Africa being weak on the chase, Australia have also struggled to bat under pressure, with the Maxwell knock allowing them to buck the trend just a little.
This match might come down to which side is better prepared to do the thing that they don’t want to do, which is bat second and with both sides also capable of winning matches with the ball, a first innings blowout isn’t off the cards, especially at Eden Gardens where the new ball can do a bit.
Mitchell Starc could be a real menace with the shiny white pill in his hands and the Proteas will need to be at their best to keep him from being the hero who clinches Australia another final.
Verdict: Australia 72/100
Provided the weather plays ball (which isn’t looking likely according to reports on Tuesday morning), back the Aussies to inflict more semi-final World Cup heartbreak on the Proteas.
