World Cup: Australia Defeats South Africa, To Face India In Final In Ahmedabad

Australia on Thursday defeated South Africa by three wickets in the second semi-final played at the Edens Garden in Kolkata. The Aussies will now take on India at the final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat against Australia in the second semifinals of the World Cup. David Miller absorbed extreme pressure with phenomenal ease on way to a rearguard 101, allowing South Africa to post a fighting 212.

Miller hit eight fours and five sixes during his rescue act, and brought up his century with a maximum over deep midwicket off Australian captain Pat Cummins. Miller got out two balls later, though.

In reply, Australia stuttered before completing the chase of 213 with 16 balls to spare as South Africa choked yet again on the big stage.

Travis Head blazed away to 62 off 48 balls while David Warner smashed 29 off 18 in an opening stand of 60 to lay the foundation for Australia's chase. Earlier, Miller hit eight fours and five sixes during his rescue act, and brought up his century with a maximum over deep midwicket off Australian captain Pat Cummins.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, South Africa were off to a disastrous start losing both their openers Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma with just eight runs on the board in the sixth over. Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram too didn't last long, leaving South Africa precariously placed at 24/4 in the 12th over.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were the wreckers in chief early into South Africa's innings. A partnership of 95 runs between Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 48 balls) steadied the ship before Australia struck again to remove the latter through Travis Head.

India Vs Australia At World's Biggest Stadium

Australia will take on India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. This is the second time that the two times are clashing in the World Cup final after 2003 when Ricky Ponting's men defeated Sourav Ganguly-led Indian side by 125 runs.