The Australian skipper Pat Cummins is excited about playing in the finals of the World Cup after their victory in the knockout stage.
Pat Cummins on victory against South Africa
Australia won the semifinal match against South Africa in the World Cup 2023 edition in a dramatic way.
Winning the toss, de Kock and Bavuma opened the attack while Mitchell Starc opened the bowling attack. South Africa’s top order collapsed to 4/24 by the end of the 12th over.
Mitchell Starc dismissed three wickets 3/34 runs while Josh Hazlewood dismissed 2/12 and terrified the South African side. Klaasen helped the side with his 47 runs before being sent out by Travis Head.
David Miller took the stance and scored 101 runs which helped the side from getting folded below 200+ score. His presence pressured Australians and their captain decided to step in to take down the batter.
With the target of 213, Australia had a fresh start as Travis Head hammered 62 runs in 48 balls with nine fours and two sixes. David Warner was impressive with his 29 runs on 18 balls which included four sixes. Together, they increased the team score to 60 runs in 6.1 overs.
Steven Smith scored 30 runs while Marnus scored 18 runs and helped the side. With the dismissal of Josh Inglis for 28 runs by Gerald, he had two crucial wickets, but that didn’t stop Australia’s victory.
With Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins’ scores of 16 and 14 runs, Australia won the match with 3 wickets in hand. Travis Head was named as the player of the match.
While speaking in the post-match interview Pat Cummins said, “I think it was easier out there than sitting in the dugout. A nerve-wracking couple of hours but it was good to get the result.”
“Wasn’t expecting Starc and Hazlewood to bowl so much early. We knew it was going to spin later on but there was a bit of cloud cover so weren’t too disappointed about bowling first.”
“We talk a lot about our fielding, probably wasn’t up to standard at the start of the tournament but we were fantastic today. Especially Warner who’s 37. Travis Head was the man today, to take that crucial wicket in the middle overs. Inglis played that beautifully, he looked in total control out there, especially against two quality spinners.”
“Few of us have played in a final before, couple of other guys in a T20 World Cup final, the stadium is going to be packed, mostly going to be one-sided but it’s about embracing it. 2015 World Cup was a career highlight, so to be playing another final in India, we are very happy as a unit, can’t wait,” he concluded.
Australia will be facing India in the finals on November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
