When South Africa Relived the “Chokers” Curse in the 2023 Semi-Final

In the world of cricket, every team carries its own identity like Australia with their aggression, India is known for their comebacks, and New Zealand as a “nice guys”. But South Africa, unfortunately, is forever associated with the “Chokers” tag as, despite their consistent brilliance in tournaments, they have often faltered in high-pressure knockout situations. The 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia was no different as throughout the tournament, South Africa had been in top form, but when it mattered most, they stumbled. How did such a talented team, playing some of their best cricket, fall short once again? Let’s explore the reasons behind their heartbreaking defeat.

Australia vs South Africa: 2023 ODI World Cup Semi-Finals 2

On November 16th, 2023, the stage was set at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, for the thrilling second semi-final of the ODI World Cup between Australia and South Africa. With India already through to the finals after their victory over New Zealand, the pressure was on both teams to seize the moment. The weather was overcast, and Eden Gardens’ pitch, known for favoring spinners, made batting in the second innings a challenge. Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to set a competitive total.

Australia, sensing an opportunity in the swinging conditions, came out strong with the new ball. Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Bavuma for a duck in the first over, leaving South Africa at 1/1. Starc and Josh Hazlewood were relentless, making life difficult for the South African batsmen. By the 6th over, Quinton de Kock mistimed a delivery, and Pat Cummins pulled off a stunning catch at mid-on to send him back for just 4, leaving South Africa struggling at 8/2.

After South Africa’s early collapse, Aiden Markram attempted to stabilize the innings with some aggressive strokes. He took on Mitchell Starc, hitting two boundaries, but in the 11th over, disaster struck again. Markram’s thick edge flew towards point, and David Warner, with his ever-present agility, swooped in to take a brilliant catch, leaving South Africa at 22/3. The next over brought another setback as Josh Hazlewood removed Rassie van der Dussen for just 6, caught by Steve Smith in the slips, and South Africa had slumped to 28/4 by the 12th over.

With the team in deep trouble, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen dug in, playing cautiously through the middle overs. As Starc and Hazlewood’s spells ended, the pair began to target the spinners. However, despite some resistance, Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell failed to capitalize on the spinning conditions. Miller and Klaasen built a steady 95-run partnership. But in the 31st over, Pat Cummins introduced Travis Head, who struck immediately, dismissing Klaasen for 47 and Marco Jansen for a duck, leaving South Africa at 119/6.

With the game hanging in the balance, Gerald Coetzee joined David Miller, and the two formed a resilient 53-run partnership off 76 balls. But just as the partnership gained momentum, Pat Cummins struck in the 44th over, dismissing Coetzee for 19 with a catch behind the stumps, leaving South Africa at 172/7. Miller, nearing his century, was joined by Keshav Maharaj, but Mitchell Starc had other plans, removing Maharaj for just 4 runs. In the 48th over, Miller reached his century with a huge six off Cummins but was dismissed shortly after. Starc sealed the deal by removing Kagiso Rabada, and South Africa’s innings ended at 212.

Australia’s chase on a tricky, slow wicket needed a solid start, and their openers, Travis Head and David Warner, were up for the task. Head wasted no time, slashing a wide ball for four in the opening over, setting the tone. Warner joined in, attacking Kagiso Rabada with a blistering 21-run assault in the 6th over, taking Australia to a dominant 60/0 by the end of the powerplay. But with the momentum slipping away, Temba Bavuma turned to his spinner, Aiden Markram, who struck immediately, removing Warner for a quickfire 29. The very next over saw Mitchell Marsh depart for a duck, caught by Rassie van der Dussen, leaving Australia at 61/2 by the 8th over, suddenly under pressure.

With Steve Smith at the crease, Australia looked to rebuild, and Travis Head’s aggressive approach continued to shine. He reached a quick half-century off 40 balls, propelling Australia to a strong 106/2 by the 14th over, with just 107 runs required. However, in the 15th over, Keshav Maharaj struck, dismissing Head for 62, giving South Africa a glimmer of hope. The pitch began to take its toll on the batters, and in the 22nd over, Marnus Labuschagne was trapped in front by Tabraiz Shamsi, leaving Australia at 133/4. The spin continued to torment, as Maxwell was bowled for just 1 run, pushing Australia to 140/5 and leaving them in a precarious position.

After Maxwell’s dismissal, Josh Inglis joined Steve Smith at the crease, and together, they set about stabilizing the innings. With some well-timed boundaries and quick singles, the duo guided Australia to 174/5 by the end of the 33rd over. However, disaster struck in the 34th over as Steve Smith, trying to accelerate, misjudged a shot against Gerald Coetzee and was dismissed for a patient 30 off 62 balls, leaving Australia at 175/6.

With the pressure mounting, Australia desperately needed someone to step up, and Inglis responded brilliantly, finding the boundaries when needed most. Mitchell Starc, too, showed resilience, playing with determination to survive. By the 39th over, Australia reached 190/6, just 23 runs shy of securing a spot in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

South Africa, refusing to go down without a fight, gave it their all in the final stretch. In the 40th over, Gerald Coetzee executed a perfect yorker that rattled the stumps of Josh Inglis, leaving Australia with just 20 runs to chase and five wickets in hand. The pressure was on, but Australian captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc had other plans. With the bowlers tightening their grip, the duo shifted to a more cautious approach, looking for singles and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

The tension reached its peak in the 44th over when Quinton de Kock, under immense pressure, dropped a tough chance off Pat Cummins’ bat off Aiden Markram. It was a crucial moment — arguably South Africa’s last chance to claw their way back into the game. That missed opportunity proved to be a heartbreak for the Proteas, as Cummins and Starc grew in confidence, moving closer to the finish line with every run.

With just 3 runs required, Marco Jansen bowled the 48th over. The second delivery was expertly guided by Pat Cummins towards the point region, and as the ball raced to the boundary, the Australian crowd erupted in joy. Australia sealed the victory by 3 wickets, booking their place in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against India in Ahmedabad. Despite their valiant effort, South Africa fell short once again, continuing their reputation as the “Chokers”, as they were knocked out in the semi-finals, unable to break their World Cup curse.