Cricket World Cup semifinal tips: South Africa v Australia

South Africa v Australia betting odds

South Africa v Australia semi-final preview

After a tough group stage, we have now reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup as South Africa face Australia for a place in the decider.

After securing their semi-final position with a match to spare, South Africa ensured that they brought winning form into the knockout stage with a five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their last pool match. Four wickets to Gerald Coetzee kept Afghanistan quiet in the first innings as they set the unconvincing target of 247, which was chased down in 47.3 overs.

Finishing the pool stage in second place, South Africa would be confident of their chances going into the knockout stage. However, a crushing defeat to India last week may have shown weaknesses in the South African line-up. Expect all-rounder Marco Jansen to return to the side in place of Andile Phehlukwayo after he was rested for their match against Afghanistan.

The Aussies wrapped up their pool stage with their seventh win in a row, beating Bangladesh by eight wickets. Disappointing with the ball, Australia were set 307 to chase. However, thanks to a massive 177 not out from Mitch Marsh, they made light work of the total, chasing it down in just 44.4 overs.

After a disappointing start to the ODI World Cup, Australia are now the in-form side behind India. Expect the Aussies to make a couple of changes for this match, with Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell returning to the side in favour of Sean Abbott and Marnus Labuschagne respectively.

South Africa v Australia betting predictions

Having beaten Australia by 134 runs in the pool stage, South Africa would be very confident heading into this matchup. However, the form of the Aussies has improved drastically since then. For the first time this tournament, Australia are expected to have everyone available for selection, and we are backing them at -133.33 to win what should be a thrilling contest.

For South Africa this World Cup, it has been all about opener Quinton de Kock. After announcing he would retire at the completion of the tournament, he has been exceptional with the second-most runs of all players. Having scored a century in the last matchup between the sides, look for de Kock to top score for South Africa at +300 with top cricket bookmakers.

Meanwhile, it has been another excellent Cricket World Cup for Australian opener David Warner, who sits fifth overall for runs with 499. With his experience across big events, Warner shouldn’t be fazed by the occasion of what will most likely be his final ODI World Cup. We’re backing Warner to lead the Aussies to a win as their top runscorer at +333.

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