Is South Africa v Australia on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Cricket World Cup semi-final

Everything you need to know ahead of the second semi-final

Harry Latham-Coyle
Thursday 16 November 2023 08:14 GMT
Comments
Australia take on South Africa in the second semi-final
Australia take on South Africa in the second semi-final (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A place in the Cricket World Cup final is on the line as South Africa take on Australia.

The two sides finished second and third on the group stage ladder, ending their campaigns with identical records of won seven, lost two.

The Proteas’ power-packed batting lineup has fired in spectacular fashion on a number of occasions since arriving in India, but it was their bowlers that sealed victory over Australia in Lucknow on 12 October as Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi all impressed.

But five-time World Cup winners Australia have shown their champion qualities to overcome a slow start to the competition and secure their place in the last four, with Glenn Maxwell producing one of the great innings of all time in their win against Afghanistan.

Here’s everything you need to know. Find the latest odds and free bets from the best betting sites and the latest South Africa vs Australia odds and tips here.

When is South Africa vs Australia?

South Africa vs Australia is due to start at 8.30am GMT on Thursdaay 16 November at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage due to start at 8am GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via Sky Go.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

Team news

South Africa received a fitness boost earlier in the week when captain Temba Bavuma was able to participate in an optional training session in Kolkata. The opening batter has been dealing with a strained hamstring - if he is unable to play, Aiden Markram would assume leadership of the team and Bavuma’s place at the top of the order would be taken by Reeza Hendricks, who impressed in the win over England.

A surface likely to take turn could see South Africa opt for two spinners, with Tabraiz Shamsi returning to partner Keshav Maharaj. That could squeeze out Lungi Ngidi with all of Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen in excellent form.

Australia have seldom had a fully fit line-up to choose from at this tournament, with Glenn Maxwell’s mishap on a golf course and Steve Smith’s struggles with vertigo adding to their injury issues. With all of their batters now seemingly available, a call must be made on who to leave out, with the final spot likely to come down to a call between Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis.

The former’s ability to stabilise the batting line-up and create opportunities in the field may see him just get the nod, although Australia may be concerned over the possibility of a weather-shortened game in which Stoinis’s power hitting might be of value.

Predicted line-ups

South Africa XI: Temba Bavuma (capt.), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia XI: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Odds

South Africa win 11/10

Australia win 8/11

Get all the Cricket World Cup odds here.

Prediction

Australia take victory and set up a tilt at a sixth World Cup win.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in