Nerve tester: Proteas set for World Cup semi-final against Australia

The Proteas have booked their place in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals, although they will have one final pool game against Afghanistan on Friday, 10 November, where they will aim to bounce back from a heavy loss to India and build momentum before the knockout stage.

A look at the current standings, however, does seem to indicate that South Africa are set for a likely semi-final showdown against Australia in Kolkata in the 2nd v 3rd semi-final in Kolkata next Thursday.

Australia claimed a stunning comeback win over Afghanistan on Tuesday, and are now level on points with South Africa, but remain in third place due to Net Run Rate.

Of course, a Proteas v Australia fixture will set nerves jangling as the men from Down Under remain an extremely unpredictable side, and will undoubtedly test South Africa in a key knockout clash that they will want to get past in order to remain on track for a first ICC world title that could finally dispel the “chokers” tag.

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Unbeaten hosts and clear favourites, India, seem likely to face New Zealand in the 1st v 4th play-off match at the Wankhede the day before.

Where the Proteas currently stand

Playoff fixtures

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SOUTH AFRICA GROUP STAGE ITINERARY – ICC MEN’S CRICKET WORLD CUP 2023 INDIA

Saturday, 07 October at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 102 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Thursday, 12 October at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa beat Australia by 134 runs BRSABVE Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Tuesday, 17 October at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

Netherlands beat South Africa by 38 runs at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala

Saturday, 21 October at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa beat England by 229 runs Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

Tuesday, 24 October at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa beat Bangladesh 149 runs by at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

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Friday, 27 October at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa beat Pakistan by 1 wicket at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Wednesday, 01 November at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa beat New Zealand by 190 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai at MCA International Stadium, Pune

Sunday, 05 November at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

India beat South Africa by 234 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Friday, 10 November at 14:00 (10:30 SAST)

South Africa vs Afghanistan at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

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