AUS vs SA, World Cup 2023: PowerPlay efficiency separated us, says South Africa coach Walter after semifinal loss

South Africa head Rob Walter and Australian tempo spearhead Mitchell Starc attributed the result within the second ODI World Cup semifinal to the primary 10 overs in both innings. The Proteas had been decreased to 24-4 following incisive new-ball spells from Josh Hazlewood and Starc, whereas Travis Head and David Warner added 60 within the first six overs of a 213-chase.

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“Ultimately, I think that sort of separated us,” Walter mentioned about his crew’s top-order collapse. “The first 12 overs of batting was a serious challenge. It was gutting to lose the semifinal. But beyond that, I am incredibly proud of the fight shown by the boys. We’ve played some cricket in this competition that has really been world-leading. There are broken records. We’ve seen young guys, with less than 15 games to their name, stand up and really dominate in certain phases of the game.”

Starc took 3 for 34 with the ball and saved Pat Cummins firm with the bat as Australia reached its eighth World Cup remaining. The left-arm fast was satisfied with the PowerPlay bowling show. “To start the game like that with Joshie [Hazelwood] and I… PowerPlay wickets have probably been not our strong suit through the tournament, so it’s nice to have a PowerPlay like that. It was great bowling the way Jos (Hazlewood) and I did. Then Trav (Travis Head) with bat and ball and the way Davey (David Warner) led by example on the field—it was great,” Starc mentioned.

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Despite Eden Gardens pitch offering extreme help to the spinners as Australia’s chase progressed, it was curious to see South African tempo spearhead Kagiso Rabada bowl simply six overs. Walter revealed the rationale: “He had a bruised heel. That’s why we did not see much of him in this contest. It was a pity; I don’t think it was a defining moment in the game.”

The Australian batters struggled in opposition to high quality spin bowling in Kolkata, elevating questions on their preparedness to face Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in remaining. But Starc is unperturbed. “Guess we will see (how our batters play spin) once we get to Ahmedabad. Depends on whether it is a fresh wicket or an old one,” Starc mentioned with a smile.