South Africa and Australia will do battle in what is set to be a hotly-contested Cricket World Cup semifinal.
After losing their opening two matches, Australia have roared back into life, and enter this game as slight favourites.
Can they book their spot in this year's final?
The Sporting News previews the clash.
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South Africa vs. Australia prediction
It was one-way traffic when these two nations faced off earlier this tournament, with South Africa winning by 134 runs.
However, this is a different Australian team now, notably undefeated since that disappointing result.
The Proteas have generally been strong this campaign, although they suffered a shock loss to the Netherlands early on, and scored just 83 runs against India last week.
At their best, they can absolutely beat Australia. However, their recent inconsistency is slightly concerning.
For this reason, it's hard to look past the Aussies, who are riding an eight-game winning streak and are in electric form with the bat.
Prediction: Australia to win
| RSA win | AUS win |
|---|---|
| 2.15 | 1.70 |
Odds via TAB.
South Africa vs. Australia time, date, match facts
- Date: Thursday, November 16
- Time: 2:00 pm local / 7:30 pm AEDT
- Location: Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
- Last meeting: October 12, 2023 - South Africa won by 134 runs
South Africa vs. Australia best bet
- Pick: Steve Smith to hit 3+ fours
- Odds: 1.60 (TAB)
It was a slow start to this year's tournament for Steve Smith, but the Australian is now in great form with the bat ahead of this clash.
He scored 63 not out recently against Bangladesh, building on his 71-run showing against the Netherlands.
In ODI cricket, Smith averages 3.45 fours per innings, so he has a strong chance of hitting a few against South Africa.
He can also be trusted with his big-game experience.
South Africa vs. Australia outside bet
- Pick: Australia 1st batting dismissal: Caught by wicketkeeper
- Odds: $5.00 (TAB)
With plenty on the line in this semifinal, Australia's openers may be more cautious than usual.
This should increase the possibility of an edge behind resulting in the first dismissal.
Sure, it's more likely that a nick will land in the hands of the slips, but a wicketkeeper catch is potentially worth the value.
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