ODI World Cup 2023, Semi-Final 2: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against South Africa

In the pivotal second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia (AUS) are set to face off against South Africa (SA) in Kolkata's Eden Gardens. South Africa, finishing the group stage in second place with seven victories, squares off against Australia, trailing just behind with an equal number of wins and losses. Yet, Australia ride on a seven-game winning streak, showcasing superior form leading up to this crucial clash on the cricketing stage.

Disregarding Australia in a World Cup is a cardinal sin, and rightly so. Despite a shaky start with two initial losses, critics had prematurely dismissed them. Yet, in an awe-inspiring turnaround, they have scripted a stunning comeback, notching up seven consecutive victories to storm into the semis. Australia are undeniably in the groove, showcasing a cricketing resurgence that demands attention and respect on their journey to cricketing glory.

Australia's bowling display, aside from Adam Zampa's stellar performance, has not dazzled. Zampa, the wrist-spinner, leads the World Cup bowling charts. The wicket at hand is poised to aid Australia's spinners – Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell. The looming question is whether this duo can exert pressure on South Africa's formidable batting lineup, making the upcoming clash a keenly anticipated battle between Australia and South Africa. 

Here's Australia's Predicted XI against South Africa:

Openers: David Warner, Travis Head

David Warner stands at the cusp of a formidable milestone, a mere single run away from notching up 500 runs in the tournament. With two stellar centuries already in his arsenal, the southpaw, boasting an impressive average of 55.44 and a brisk strike rate of 105, is poised for another run feast. All eyes are on Warner as he gears up for a potentially game-changing performance in the crucial knockout clash.

Travis Head, staging a triumphant return post-injury, is set to open alongside Warner. His comeback spectacle against New Zealand featured a splendid century, signalling a formidable resurgence. In the tournament, Head has amassed 130 runs across four matches, boasting a steady average of 32.50. As he strides out to partner Warner, anticipation brews around the dynamic duo's potential to anchor the innings in the upcoming showdown.

Middle Order: Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk)

Mitchell Marsh, riding high on a scintillating unbeaten 177 versus Bangladesh, emerges as a pivotal force for Australia. A frontrunner in the run charts, eyeing the 500-run milestone, Marsh's all-round prowess adds depth to the squad. Not just a dynamic batter, but a valuable bowling asset, his multifaceted skills make him a key player.

Steven Smith's unbeaten 63 against Bangladesh showcased resilience in a challenging chase of 307 for Australia. However, this innings stands in stark contrast to a below-par World Cup campaign by his lofty standards, amassing 268 runs in eight matches. As the semi-final looms, Smith, known for his knack for big occasions, aims to redefine his impact on the tournament.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Marnus Labuschagne, an asset in the Australian batting lineup, has showcased his prowess with a commendable tally of 286 runs in nine matches, boasting an average of 35.75. Approaching his 50th ODI for Australia, the prolific batter's consistency and potential milestone add an intriguing layer to his role. As the semi-final beckons, Labuschagne remains a linchpin in Australia's quest for batting solidity and success.

Josh Inglis, in a strategic shift, has seamlessly assumed the wicketkeeping mantle for Australia, edging past Alex Carey in the latter part of the tournament. While Inglis' role primarily involves keeping, his impactful cameos have added a valuable dimension to the team. Accumulating 131 runs, including a pivotal half-century, Inglis's contributions amplify Australia's depth.

All-rounder: Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell, after a spectacular unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan, was rested in the clash against Bangladesh. Despite the break, Maxwell sits at 11th in the run-scoring charts, a mere three runs shy of the 500-run milestone in the tournament. The dynamic all-rounder's impactful innings and impending return fuel anticipation, as Australia look to harness his explosive prowess in the crucial stages of the World Cup.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Pat Cummins, overcoming early challenges, orchestrated a splendid comeback, becoming a linchpin for Australia. In a memorable partnership with Glenn Maxwell, Cummins' crucial 12 runs sealed a match-winning alliance that shall be remembered for a long time. The paceman's leadership on the field mirrors his impactful bowling, amassing ten wickets in the tournament.

While Josh Hazlewood's early strikes rattled India in the opening clash, his subsequent performances have seen a dip in impact. The pace spearhead, with 12 wickets from nine games, maintains a lukewarm average of 31.42. Hazlewood, once a potent threat, seeks to reignite his spark as Australia progress in the tournament, aiming to recapture the early venom that made him a formidable force in Chennai.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Mitchell Starc, a relentless force with the ball, notched up his 50th World Cup wicket in this edition, amassing a staggering total of 59 from just 18 matches. The pace maestro, having claimed ten wickets in the tournament, hasn’t performed consistently. Resting against Bangladesh alongside Glenn Maxwell, Starc will gear up for the knockout stages, aiming to further cement his authority.

Adam Zampa emerges as the tournament's spin maestro, claiming a staggering 22 wickets in nine matches, proving his mettle as the leading spinner in a single World Cup edition to do so. His wizardry with the ball positions him as a pivotal force in the upcoming clash, where Zampa's knack for breakthroughs will undoubtedly play a defining role in steering Australia's fortunes in the crucial encounter.

Australia's Predicted XI: 

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa