Australia advanced to their eighth World Cup final after defeating South Africa by three wickets in difficult conditions at the Eden Gardens. The team led by Pat Cummins will now play the hosts, India, in the championship match on Sunday in Ahmedabad. However, for Temba Bavuma and company, it was another instance of being both close and far away in a semi-final—the fifth in which South Africa has failed to advance.

Temba Bavuma‘s team chose to bat and was taken to 212 by David Miller’s sixth ODI century, but it was always going to be difficult to defend a low score. Australia had a blistering start, scoring 60 runs beyond the target in the first six overs. As a result, their slowdown and collapse against spin in the middle overs was largely insignificant. In order to get Australia over the finish line, the experienced hands of captain Cummins and Mitchell Starc then gently nudged and nurtured 22 quiet runs.

Maybe the way the teams batted in the first PowerPlay made a difference between them. Australia took just two balls to score their first boundary, whereas South Africa needed 53 balls to do so. And it came from the bat of Player of the Match Travis Head, who amassed 62 off 48 in an innings that may have effectively ended the chase well in advance of its completion. That came from Head, who in just two balls claimed the vital wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen.

South Africa’s spinners provided their only glimmer of hope during the match. Aiden Markram, introduced into the bowling attack, dismissed David Warner with a hint of spin on the very first delivery he bowled. Keshav Maharaj, who was held back until the 15th over, also struck with his first ball, sending back the dangerous Travis Head.

After the dismissal of Travis Head, South Africa’s spinners, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, bowled some quiet overs that ultimately led to the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne missed an ill-advised reverse-sweep against Shamsi and was hit in front. Shamsi then went on to add the wicket of Glenn Maxwell, leaving Australia at 137/5.

It was always a tough task for South Africa to bowl out Australia, but they were unlucky not to take more catches. Quinton de Kock dropped a couple of tough ones behind the stumps, and the most costly miss was the dropped catch of Head by Reeza Hendricks on 40. South Africa will rue this missed opportunity. Gerald Coetzee, the bowler on that occasion, would come back and pick up the wickets of Steve Smith and Josh Inglis, but South Africa’s total was always modest, hampered by their early collapse. However, they were able to score as many runs as they did, especially from 24 for 4, thanks to Miller’s extraordinary innings.

Batting under overcast skies was something even Pat Cummins admitted wanting to do, but it took only a few overs from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to hammer home the point that batting wasn’t going to be easy against the new ball.

Bavuma lasted all of five deliveries at the crease, edging behind a delivery from Starc on nought but it was Hazlewood at the other end who proved to be more of a menace.

Hazlewood’s first spell read 6-1-12-2, the two wickets being that of de Kock (caught at mid-on after a string of dot balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (edged to second slip). Starc wasn’t too far behind at the other end, bowling seven overs on the trot and picking 2 for 18 in his first spell. Markram was the other batter Starc accounted for with an edge to backward point. 

Miller and Heinrich Klaasen formed a crucial 95-run partnership, capitalizing on Adam Zampa’s inconsistent lengths during the rain-affected innings. They plundered six sixes off Zampa, with both batters contributing two each.

Just when South Africa appeared to regain their footing with a 44-run stand between overs 21 and 30, Travis Head introduced himself into the attack and struck gold with two wickets in two balls. His accurate spin bowling first deceived Klaasen with a length delivery, bowling him through the gate, and then dismissed Marco Jansen the next ball with an inswinging delivery that trapped him leg before. This highlighted the fickle and challenging conditions in Kolkata.

Miller and Gerald Coetzee forged another 53-run partnership for the seventh wicket, with Miller dominating the scoring. This stand could have extended further had Coetzee reviewed the decision for caught-behind; the on-field umpire adjudged him caught behind off a short ball, but replays showed the ball had deflected off his arm instead.

Miller reached his century off 115 balls, an impressive feat in a World Cup knockout match, but he would later regret not batting until the end of the innings. Two balls after reaching the milestone, Miller fell while attempting to pull a short ball from Pat Cummins, ending a valiant innings.

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Maxwell Gets the Highest ODI Score While Chasing Physical Limits and Beliefs

Glenn Maxwell broke over physical and mental barriers to record the best ODI total while chasing in the center of Mumbai, the spiritual home of Indian cricket. His unbreakable commitment was demonstrated by his amazing 202-run partnership for the ninth wicket, to which Pat Cummins scored just 12 off 68 balls. Beyond the outstanding performances, Maxwell’s show was a theatrical spectacle that captured the audience with his persistent desire for victory.

Maxwell’s innings were a masterpiece in pure resolve and unconventional batting methods. He walked and stumbled around the crease, not allowing his physical limitations to stop him from moving forward. His powerful but accurate strokes left the spectators spellbound and the bowlers confused.

The crowd’s excitement increased as Maxwell’s inning went on. Despite their best attempts, the Afghan bowlers could not stop his assault. The crowd’s shouts resounded throughout the night as they yelled and celebrated at every turn.

Maxwell was getting closer to history with every ball that went by. He was close to breaking the record for the greatest ODI score while chasing. And he succeeded with one last flourish, making his mark in cricket history.

Maxwell’s inning was an incredible demonstration of his athleticism, talent, and determination. He produced a performance that will be remembered for years to come, defying the expectations and the odds.

With the chase down to 55 runs to win, Maxwell boldly poked a single to the long-on boundary in the 41st over. But then, all of a sudden, he slumped to the ground and writhed in anguish. After braving the muggy conditions of the famous stadium for five hours, he suddenly collapsed dramatically. The team physio ran onto the field, a typical scene in this high-stakes game; the umpire’s look reflected his anxiety. Adam Zampa, the No. 10 batter for Australia, had already made his way down the changing room steps and was ready to take his time at the crease.

However, Maxwell chose to persevere in spite of everything. He hit five huge sixes and five well-placed fours with resolute resolve. Amazingly, he used just his perfect hand-eye coordination to accomplish this incredible feat—not even moving his feet. Maxwell’s incredible performance defied logic and helped Australia defeat an amazed Afghanistan to win an incredible match.

Just 1.5 hours before Maxwell added his tenth four to his remarkable career total of 21 fours, hitting the skies over Mumbai, Hashmatullah Shahidi and his team had every reason to think they were going to win this tournament and become the next greatest of all time champions. The five-time winners were so scared by their performance that even Mitchell Starc, who did not even make touch with the ball, walked off the field without realizing that it had only brushed his stumps en route to the wicketkeeper.

In the glow of the stadium lights, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen ul Haq had taken two vital wickets apiece by skillfully using the swing. Following Omarzai’s successive wickets of Josh Inglis and David Warner, Maxwell came out swinging to deny the hat-trick chance. But Marnus Labuschagne self-inflicted a run-out, compounding Australia’s problems. Then came the intervention of the great player, Rashid Khan, who took wickets of Starc and Stoinis. Afghanistan was a force on the field, full of energy and desire, while Australia was on the verge of collapse.

The crucial blow came in the 22nd over, expertly delivered by leg spinner Noor Ahmad on the left arm. Maxwell played down the wrong line on the second ball, which led to a strong LBW plea that convinced the umpire. When the ball seemed to be sailing over the stumps due to the DRS system, Maxwell, who had previously accepted his destiny, was making his way towards the dressing room. After three good deliveries, he tried a sweep but could not control the bounce, resulting in a simple catch that went to the short fine-leg area. Surprisingly, Mujeeb Ur Rahman mysteriously declined the opportunity, saving Maxwell at 33 runs.

Something within Maxwell appeared to fire after these two incredible escapes. With renewed ferocity, he let loose with his arsenal of shots. In the next over, Rashid delivered a strong half-arm jab that almost reached the boundary, and he also produced a terrific slog-sweep off Noor’s ball that raced to the mid-wicket fence. Even after Maxwell achieved a 51-ball half-century, Afghanistan, who had been leading by a significant margin up until that point, was unable to fully capitalize on the change in momentum. Surprisingly, he reached his next fifty runs in just twenty-five balls, which unsettled the Afghanistan dugout as they saw the tide swing in Australia’s favor.

Shahidi was so confident in his team’s ability to spin bowl that he kept his two seamers out of the attack for a considerable amount of time. The mood of the match had changed considerably by the time Naveen returned to the bowling crease, and Australia needed to win by less than 100 runs. When the partnership reached 100 runs, Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, could only muster 8 runs; when it hit 150, he could barely muster 11 runs. Maxwell chose to hit boundaries instead of taking singles during this time since a bout of cramping had made it extremely difficult for him to walk.

But Cummins was happy enough to play out maiden overs, knowing full well that Maxwell’s big hitting was keeping the needed run rate in check. Afghanistan was unable to oppose this two-pronged approach. It appeared as though Mujeeb was crucial over clinched fate. After hitting dot, six, six, four, and six, Maxwell produced one of the most amazing innings in the history of the World Cup of cricket when he became the first Australian to reach an ODI double century.

It was a depressing end to a day that had so much potential for Afghanistan. After winning the toss, they had decided to put Australia under pressure on the scoreboard, a venue that is infamous for being tough to defend. Ibrahim Zadran was crucial, partnering with Rahmat Shah and Shahidi for half-centuries before becoming the first batter from Afghanistan to score a century in a World Cup game. Zadran carried his bat during his outstanding innings, scoring 129 runs off of 143 deliveries. Rashid Khan enhanced the show with an amazing eighteen-ball knock that brought in 35 runs. Combined, they scored 75 runs in the final six overs. Afghanistan achieved their highest-ever total in the history of the ODI World Cup thanks to this performance. However, ultimately, these outstanding successes were overshadowed by the night’s events.

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Here is the star-studded squad:

Captain: Rohit Sharma, Vice-captain: Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

India’s journey in the World Cup will commence with a clash against Australia on October 8, 2023, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Subsequently, the 1983 and 2011 World Cup champions will lock horns with Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 11, 2023, followed by a blockbuster showdown against Pakistan on October 14, 2023, at the awe-inspiring Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Following these exciting encounters, India is set to play five more matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, respectively. The team’s final league-stage match will be against the Netherlands on November 12, 2023.

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In the preceding year, Stokes had voluntarily withdrawn from the 50-over format, expressing that maintaining peak performance across all three formats of the game was a formidable challenge. He emphasized that the esteemed “England shirt deserves nothing less” than unwavering dedication, thus explaining his decision.

However, given his pivotal contributions during the climactic moments of both the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in Melbourne last November, Stokes’ exceptional composure in high-pressure situations emerged as an invaluable asset. Recognizing the immense impact he brings, both Matthew Mott, the coach for white-ball cricket, and Jos Buttler, the team’s captain, consistently expressed their eagerness to entice Stokes back into the ODI arena.

He has been officially included in a 15-member squad, a decision confirmed by Luke Wright, England’s National Selector. This lineup is earmarked for their campaign in India, commencing in October. The inaugural clash of their campaign is set against the familiar adversaries, New Zealand, in a highly anticipated rematch of their unforgettable showdown at Lord’s in July 2019.

Wright commented on the matter, stating, “It wasn’t so much a matter of him altering his stance. He had always displayed interest in a comeback. There was no need to plead or cajole him; his enthusiasm was consistent. Once his physical condition improved and he had sufficient rest, his eagerness to participate was evident. From our standpoint, and undoubtedly for England’s fans and everyone else, this is truly fantastic news.”

Given the persistent knee injury that affected his all-round contributions during the Ashes, Stokes will adopt a specialized batting role. Following England’s 2-2 tie in the Ashes just last month, he hinted at the possibility of undergoing knee surgery before England’s Test tour of India next year. However, this possibility seems to have been shelved, at least for now.

Navigating the situation, Wright added, “It’s a nuanced situation, isn’t it? He’s gearing up for the World Cup, and we intend to utilize him primarily as a batsman. We’ll continually evaluate this aspect, but we won’t rush him back into bowling unless he is completely fit and enthusiastic. While there is still a window for him to address this knee concern, it’s evidently a complex scenario.”

“You know, when it comes to stepping up in critical moments, there’s no one quite like Ben Stokes. I reckon that’s the essence of it – he’s viewing this as a final opportunity in the 50-over format to capture victory once more. Who could be a better fit for England than someone of his caliber returning? He thrives on those high-pressure situations. We’re all overjoyed that he’s back in the squad. I’m certain it’ll boost the morale of the lads in the team to have him back. We’re eagerly looking forward to his return and the possibility of him contributing to another triumphant moment for England.”

While England isn’t obliged to announce their provisional World Cup roster until September 5, with the flexibility for additional adjustments until September 28, Stokes is anticipated to be among the nine remaining players from the 2019 championship squad. Additionally, Jonny Bairstow is poised for his comeback in white-ball internationals after recuperating from a leg injury sustained in September of the previous year.

However, in contrast to the hopes of including another 2019 hero, Jofra Archer, who is still recovering and not yet ready for selection, a significant inclusion is Surrey’s Gus Atkinson. The fast bowler showcased his speed, hitting 95mph while playing for the Oval Invincibles in the Men’s Hundred tournament last week. He is now in line for his debut appearances in both white-ball formats.

In the words of Wright, “Above all, Gus has earned his place in the squad. I’m sure everyone’s been closely watching his performances. He’s incredibly exciting and has shown exceptional skills, not only in the Hundred but also in his performances in the Blast. He used to give me a hard time on the field back when I was playing, and he left an impression. He’s a genuine asset to our team, and we’re thrilled to provide him with this opportunity.”

While confirming Archer’s presence as a reserve in the World Cup squad, Wright acknowledged the paramount importance of handling his return with meticulous care due to his protracted elbow injury and the back stress fracture that kept him sidelined throughout the 2022 season.

“Concerning the World Cup, regrettably, time is slipping away,” stated Wright. “His recovery won’t be swift enough, particularly for the initial phase of the tournament. We have a duty to ensure his long-term well-being, as we view him as a significant asset for the extended future. Tempting as it may be to hasten his return for the World Cup’s commencement, the reality is that time is running short.”

In the ODI pace attack, Atkinson secures his spot alongside the likes of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes. The latter two, both pivotal figures from the 2019 cohort, displayed remarkable form during the recent Ashes in the Test format. The left-arm options consist of David Willey, who narrowly missed selection in 2019, and Reece Topley. Topley made his return to the field during the Hundred earlier this month, having encountered a dislocated shoulder during his debut IPL venture in April.

A noticeable absentee from England’s World Cup aspirations is Harry Brook, the emerging talent who has been making waves in various formats. While Jason Roy is entrusted to continue regaining his form following a challenging 18 months, and Joe Root’s prowess against spin deems him a reliable asset for the conditions in India, despite his absence from white-ball cricket since July 2022, Brook will have to present his case from the T20I squad instead.

Luke Wright shared insights into the challenging choice, stating, “This decision ranks among the most difficult ones you’ll encounter. Undoubtedly, our regard for him is incredibly high. His superstar status and the promising future he holds with us in all formats are undeniable. That’s precisely why this decision has been so agonizing. I’m certain he’s disappointed, but with only a 15-man squad, someone inevitably has to miss out. Unfortunately, this time around, it’s him. However, that didn’t diminish the difficulty of the decision.”

Brook will share company with several other players who could potentially serve as traveling reserves for the World Cup, especially Ben Duckett and Will Jacks. The latter currently trails both Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone in the competition for spin-bowling all rounders.

In the T20I squad, Rehan Ahmed, the anticipated successor to Adil Rashid as England’s premier legspinner, finds his place. Hampshire’s uncapped pace bowler, John Turner, also secures a spot, his recent dismissal of Bairstow in a fiery performance for Trent Rockets serving as a timely testament to his capabilities. Josh Tongue, a part of the Test squad during a breakthrough summer, also earns his place in the T20 setup, with the prospect of another chance for his England debut.

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As the India-Pakistan match is set for October 14, adjustments have been made to the dual-header Saturday schedule. The New Zealand-Bangladesh day fixture, initially planned for October 14 in Chennai, will now occur as a day-night game on October 13. In a similar vein, the England-Afghanistan match in Delhi has been rescheduled for October 15. These changes have also prompted the Australia-South Africa match in Lucknow to be shifted forward by a day, now taking place on October 12.

The match schedule leading up to the India-Pakistan game has undergone alterations. Pakistan’s encounter against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, initially set for October 12, has been rescheduled to take place on October 10. Furthermore, England’s match against Bangladesh in Dharamsala on October 10 has transitioned from a daytime fixture to a day-night event. This adjustment has been made to accommodate the Pakistan-Sri Lanka match, thus creating a double-header on Tuesday, October 10.

Additionally, modifications have been made to the double-header towards the conclusion of the league stage. The two games, Australia vs Bangladesh in Pune and England vs Pakistan in Kolkata, previously scheduled for November 12, have been shifted to November 11. Simultaneously, the India-Netherlands fixture has exchanged places with them and will now occur on November 12.

The ODI World Cup will commence with a match between the 2019 edition finalists, England and New Zealand, in Ahmedabad. The tournament will culminate at the same venue on November 19.

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