Australia and South Africa to Clash in World Cup Semi-Final at Eden Gardens

When England defeated Allan Border and co. in the 1987 World Cup final at the Eden, the majority of the players on the current Australian side were either not yet born or just infants.

Since then, Australia has won four additional World Cup championships in more than thirty years. However, since that '87 final, they have never again played a World Cup match in the Eden, 36 years to be exact. That will alter on Thursday when Australia plays South Africa in the second World Cup semi-final of 2023.

They will go to Ahmedabad to try for their sixth championship if they win, which would be their eighth straight victory in the competition. Thus, the Eden offers them another chance to plan a memorable occasion.
When England defeated Allan Border and co. in the 1987 World Cup final at the Eden, the majority of the players on the current Australian side were either not yet born or just infants.

Since then, Australia has won four additional World Cup championships in more than thirty years. However, since that '87 final, they have never again played a World Cup match in the Eden, 36 years to be exact. That will alter on Thursday when Australia plays South Africa in the second World Cup semi-final of 2023.

They will go to Ahmedabad to try for their sixth championship if they win, which would be their eighth straight victory in the competition. Thus, the Eden offers them another chance to plan a memorable occasion.

At the same location that welcomed them back to international cricket in the post-Apartheid period 32 years ago, the Proteas have the opportunity to create history. But only if they triumph against the Australians and go to their first-ever World Cup final.

Travis Head in Australia during the drill.
Travis Head in Australia during the drill.
Kumar Sanat Sinha
When the Eden hosts an international or IPL match, the atmosphere is often jubilant. However, on this particular occasion, even the customary bustle was absent on the eve of the match, with the stadium scheduled to host just its second 50-over Cup semi-final match (the first being the forgettable India-Sri Lanka encounter in 1996).

During the first few games the stadium held, Bangladesh against Netherlands and Pakistan vs Bangladesh, late last month, there was a lot more enthusiasm to feel and take in.

The Bengaluru Cricket Association (CAB) is optimistic about a strong attendance for this second semifinal. However, it remains to be seen how many people really show out to watch the game on Thursday given the likelihood of an overcast sky and possibly rain.

However, South Africa and Australia will be more preoccupied with issues that arise on the field. Despite his hamstring issue, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma is still "not 100 per cent" healthy, but he is "confident" that he will make the starting lineup.

However, Australia isn't too concerned about Glenn Maxwell, as he's "all clear and fine" and just had a precautionary scan since, according to Cummins, his hamstring was a little uncomfortable on Tuesday.

Regarding the Eden pitch, it seems to be arid, with a little increase in turn anticipated during the second session. In these circumstances, Adam Zampa and Keshav Maharaj may both be crucial.

At the same location that welcomed them back to international cricket in the post-Apartheid period 32 years ago, the Proteas have the opportunity to create history. But only if they triumph against the Australians and go to their first-ever World Cup final.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.