The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is in full swing and today we have a mouth-watering clash between two of the most storied rivals in the history of the tournament: Australia and South Africa. The two teams will face each other at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, which is hosting its first ever World Cup match. The match is crucial for both sides as they look to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
## The Background
Australia and South Africa have a rich history of playing some of the most memorable matches in the World Cup. Who can forget the epic semi-final in 1999, when Australia tied the match and advanced to the final on net run rate? Or the thrilling chase by South Africa in 2007, when they fell short by just one run? Or the high-scoring thriller in 2019, when South Africa spoiled Australia's chances of topping the group and facing New Zealand in the semi-final?
The two teams have met nine times in the World Cup, with Australia winning five and South Africa four. However, South Africa have won three of the last four encounters, including the last two. The last time they met was in Manchester in 2019, when South Africa chased down 326 with 10 balls to spare, thanks to brilliant centuries from Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen.
## The Form
South Africa are in red-hot form in this World Cup, having won both their matches so far. They thrashed Sri Lanka by 187 runs in their opening match, with Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram all scoring hundreds. They followed it up with a convincing seven-wicket win over Bangladesh, with Markram and de Kock again among the runs.
Australia, on the other hand, are under pressure after losing their first match to India by 36 runs. They failed to chase down 236, despite a solid start from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Their middle order collapsed from 110 for 2 to 199 all out, with India's spinners wreaking havoc. Australia will need to bounce back strongly and show more resilience with the bat if they want to challenge South Africa.
## The Teams
South Africa are likely to stick with the same XI that played against Bangladesh, with Temba Bavuma leading the side and Quinton de Kock keeping wickets. Their batting looks formidable, with Markram, de Kock, van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller all capable of scoring big and fast. Their bowling is led by the pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, who are well supported by Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen.
Australia have some selection dilemmas ahead of the match. They might consider bringing in Marcus Stoinis for Cameron Green, who has not been effective with either bat or ball. They might also think of playing an extra spinner, given the conditions in Lucknow and South Africa's vulnerability against spin. Pat Cummins will captain the side and lead the bowling attack, along with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.
## The Prediction
South Africa are the favourites to win this match, given their recent form and confidence. They have a balanced and settled side that has been performing consistently well. Australia are a formidable opponent, but they will need to improve their batting and bowling significantly to challenge South Africa. It promises to be an exciting contest between two of the best teams in the world.
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