South Africa vs Australia Semi-Final 2, World Cup 2023: Australia sealed their place in Sunday's final of the 50-over World Cup against India following a nervy three-wicket victory against South Africa in the second semi-final on Thursday.

Australia bowled out South Africa for a below-par 212 despite David Miller's defiant 101 but the chase was not as straightforward as Pat Cummins and his team would have liked.

Travis Head (62) led Australia's rollicking start before a mid-innings wobble put the five-time champions in a spot of bother.

South Africa did not let big partnerships bloom but Australia eventually reached the target with 16 balls to spare with Steve Smith (30) and Jos Inglis (28) providing useful cameos.

 

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"I think it was easier out there than sitting in the dugout. Nerve-racking couple of hours but it was good to get the result. Wasn't expecting Starc and Hazlewood to bowl so much early. We knew it was going to spin later on but there was a bit of cloud cover so wasn't too disappointed about bowling first," skipper Pat Cummins said at the post-match presentation.

While Cummins mentioned Australia's field in the semi-final, he also acknowledged the crucial contributions from Travis Head with the ball and useful runs scored by Josh Inglis towards the end of the contest.

"We talk a lot about our fielding, probably wasn't up to standard at the start of the tournament but we were fantastic today. Especially Warner who's 37. Travis Head was the man today, to take that crucial wicket in the middle overs. Inglis played that beautifully, he looked in total control out there, especially against two quality spinners," he added.

Earlier, Temba Bavuma's decision to bat under an overcast sky backfired and South Africa slumped to 24-4 inside 12 overs before light rain held up play.

Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (47) arrested the slide after play resumed with a 95-run partnership but Head's double strike put Australia back in charge.

Miller smashed Cummins for a six to bring up his hundred but fell in the same over trying to clear the rope again.

India beat New Zealand in the first semi-final on Wednesday to book their place in the final in Ahmedabad.

 

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This is the record-eighth time Australia have qualified for the World Cup final where they will be aiming to lift their sixth title.

On the other hand, the hosts India, have been undefeated in the tournament so far and are favorites heading into the final as they will be looking to end the long and frustrating drought of an ICC trophy.