Watch: Keshav Maharaj strikes on first delivery, castles Travis Head through the gate
Saurabh Anand
Keshav Maharaj is currently the No.1 ODI bowler.
Australian opener had a wonderful opening start against South Africans in a small 213 chase at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. David Warner and Travis Head got off to a flier against South African pace attack and scored 60 runs in the first six overs. This sets up the tone for Australian chase in the second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Australia are in a commanding position and looks set to take on India in the finals.
Australian opener Travis Head played an impactful knock and scored his 16th ODI half-century. Head was smashing the bowlers at ease on a slow and low wicket. He also made African bowlers look for an alternate line to avoid getting hit for boundaries against him. Travis Head went on to score 62 runs on 48 balls with nine fours and two sixes. South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj dismissed him on the first ball of his spell.
Keshav Maharaj dismissed Travis Head
South African skipper Temba Bavuma brought in Keshav Maharaj in the 15th over, and he immediately struck for his team. Maharaj delivered a magical delivery outside off-stump and castled Travis Head. The left-hander came forward to play a drive but missed the line. Travis Head was completely outplayed, and the ball right after pitching up turned to the middle stump and bamboozled Australian opener. Australia lost his third in the 15th over.
Watch the video here:
Aiden Markram also dismissed David Warner in his first delivery of the spell. Warner was also castled, as he was looking to play a cut shot. Markram delivered a regular off-spinner bowl that turned and hit straight onto the middle and off stump. David Warner perished after scoring 29 runs in 18 balls. Warner smashed four sixes in his innings and provided a great opening start for his team. Marco Jansen bowled a poor opening spell and delivered four wides.
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South Africa have picked up five wickets so far inside the first half of Australian chase. Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj have picked up wickets in crucial stages. The winner of this game will take on India in the World Cup finals at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Steve Smith is fighting it out for Australia and playing a great anchor role in Australian innings. They need one more partnership to win the game.
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