SA vs AUS: South Africa playing XI vs Australia, 2nd Semi-final, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

South Africa will take on Australia in second semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Thursday.

South Africa have been impressive in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. They have been the underdogs and have got past all the obstacles put in front of them. But now the challenge will be different, as they will head into the knockout games, which have always been their weakness. South Africa will face five-time champions Australia in the second semi-final.

This match will take place on November 16 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Though South Africa defeated Australia in the group stage, doing the same in the semis will not be easy as Australia are on a seven-match winning streak. So let's talk about South Africa's predicted playing XI for the second semi-finals against Australia.

SA vs AUS: South Africa's Predicted playing XI vs Australia

1. Quinton de Kock (Wk) :

Quinton de Kock will be the player on whom South Africa will rely a lot from the top. If he gets set, he will score big runs, that will also be on Australia's mind. De Kock has scored 591 runs at a strike rate of 109.24 with four centuries. It means if he crosses 50, then he converts them into a hundred.

2. Temba Bavuma :

Skipper Temba Bavuma has been the weaker link in this strong batting line-up. He has under-performed and has not even scored a fifty in seven matches. Bavuma has made 145 runs at 20.71, and he will also be thinking about it. So we might see a different approach from the captain to put pressure on Australia right away.

3. Rassie van der Dussen :

Whenever South Africa have lost an early wicket, Rassie van der Dussen comes in for rescue. The big right-hander has been consistent with the bat. He has scored 442 runs at an average of 55.25 with two hundreds and two half-centuries. Dussen can play spin and pace well, which makes him a difficult batter to bowl to.

4. Aiden Markram :

Aiden Markram is another important member of this batting line-up. The right-hander has been in great form and has done well in the first and second innings, respectively. He has scored 396 runs at a strike rate of 114.45 with one hundred and three half-centuries and is in good form. Markram is a special player who keeps on taking on the bowlers, which helps the team keep the momentum going.

5. Heinrich Klaasen :

Heinrich Klaasen can be the difference-maker if South Africa will bat first. He has thrashed Australian bowlers in the last few matches and enjoys batting against them. But his numbers in chase are not so good, which he will have to adjust if South Africa bat second. Klaasen has scored 326 runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.51 and can take on any bowling apart.

6. David Miller :

It will mostly be the last World Cup for David Miller, and he will surely be looking to make it a memorable one. Hence, he will be looking to play an impactful innings in the semis to take his team into a good position. Miller is one of the best finishers on the team and can score runs in chasing as well. He has scored 255 runs at a strike rate of 119.15 with 17 sixes.

7. Marco Jansen :

Marco Jansen will be very lethal with the new ball and has picked up most wickets in powerplay. He has 17 wickets at a strike rate of 22.82 and can swing the ball long enough to trouble any batter. A lot will depend on how he gives his team a start with the ball. Not to forget, he is a pretty decent striker and can hit some long sixes if needed.

8. Gerald Coetzee :

Gerald Coetzee is a decent bowler for South Africa, but he is an exciting pacer who is always in the face of batters. Coetzee is the fourth-highest wicket-taker so far. He has 18 wickets at a strike rate of 18.16 and is a wicket-taker in the middle overs, which is one reason for South Africa's success.

9. Keshav Maharaj :

Keshav Maharaj has dethroned Mohammed Siraj from the No. 1 position in the bowler rankings because of his consistent performance in this tournament. He will be the biggest hurdle because the pitch will help him a lot, which he showed in the game against India. Thus, Australian batters should be worried about facing him on Thursday at Eden Gardens.

10. Kagido Rabada :

Kagiso Rabada will be the bowler to watch out for. He will be there with the new ball for his team. Rabada has done a decent job so far and has taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 4.83. He has been the leader of South Africa's bowling attack and will be the biggest threat to Australia.

11. Lungi Ngidi :

Lungi Ngidi will be another pacer that will generate some good bounce at Eden Gardens. Though he has not gotten as many wickets as he would have liked, he has always been a challenge to face. Ngidi has ten wickets so far and can swing the ball at a good pace to dismiss the batters. He is pretty effective against right-handers, and Australia have a number of those.