KOLKATA: Australian fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took two wickets past South Africa’s top order in their second World Cup semi-final on Thursday before rain came to the Proteas’ rescue.
Left-arm quick Starc sent skipper Temba Bavuma back for the fourth over in the first over and soon Hazlewood had the in-form Quinton de Kock caught for three.
The new-ball bowlers continued their attack with wickets from Aiden Markram (10) and Rassie van der Dussen (six) to reduce South Africa’s lead to 24-4 after the Proteas opted to bat under cloudy skies.
Heinrich Klaasen (10) and David Miller (10) made the score 44-4 in the 14th minute after rain forced the players to leave the field at Eden Gardens.
A reserve day is reserved for Friday in case the action falls victim to weather conditions.
New Zealand confident about future after semi-final
If there is no result, South Africa, which finishes ahead of Australia in the group stage, will be declared the winner.
South Africa is making its first World Cup final appearance after faltering in four semi-finals in 1999 and 2007, including two against Australia.
The winners will face undefeated hosts India, who defeated New Zealand in the first semi-final, in the final to be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
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