Despite winning the toss and receiving the all-clear for captain Themba Bavuma to take to the field at Eden Gardens, the Proteas got their Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia off to a shaky start when the skipper was dismissed for a duck.
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To make matters worse, he was soon followed by Quinton de Kock, who was caught by Pat Cummins in a Josh Hazelwood delivery.
Australia were in the driving seat a few minutes ago as they reduced their opponents to a meagre 22/2 off the first 10 overs. To make matters worse, in-form batsman Aiden Markram soon followed suit, having only troubled the scorers for 10 runs.
South Africa chose to bat but soon found themselves on the backfoot thanks to the early dismissal of their opener.
The Proteas made two changes to their squad for the last four matches.
Tabraiz Shamsi makes his fourth World Cup appearance (and 50th career ODI) as the Proteas field two specialist spinners (along with Keshav Maharaj) at Eden Gardens. He replaces Lungi Ngidi, the fast bowler.
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Marco Jansen, the team’s in-form all-rounder, returns to the lineup after resting in their last group-stage match against Afghanistan. He replaces Andile Phehlukwayo.
South Africa has reached the World Cup semi-finals four times: in 1992, 1999, 2007 and 2015, but this year will hopefully be their first appearance in the final.
Australia, a five-time champion, will attempt to reach their seventh final at the quadrennial showpiece.
The semi-final winners will face unbeaten hosts India in the tournament final on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
South Africa
Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Australia
Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
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Picture: @ProteasMenCSA / X