To believe or not to believe: A semi-final between AUS vs SA

Absent belief. You are not the Boston Red Sox supporters who erupted in unison with “Believe!” signs in the galleries while cheering their teammates on to the 2003 American League Championship, which they dutifully won against the detestable New York Yankees.

As South Africans, you are well aware that it is unwise to place your trust in a team that has failed to advance to the final of the men’s World Cup and has frequently emerged from the competition in disarray.

Hold a belief. Since you are an Australian, you are aware that your team has emerged victorious in this competition five times out of a possible twelve. Why then not attempt it again?

Welcoming you to the second semifinal at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The teams will know by the commencement of the match, should they prevail, which of New Zealand or India they will confront in the championship match.

But that is the challenge for Sunday. And only marginally more significant than the one on Thursday. Due to the fact that virtually every match between Australia and South Africa is pre-loaded with a historical and contextually charged narrative.

Therefore, it is inexplicable that despite having encountered seven times throughout the tournament, these two teams have only met twice in the quarterfinal stages. The first occasion was the epic, tie-filled semifinal at Edgbaston in 1999. The atmosphere was relatively calm during their 2007 semi-final in St. Lucia, as Australia had effectively dismissed South Africa to 27/5 within 10 overs, rendering the match all but over.

It is difficult for these countries to go sixteen years without a crucial World Cup matchup, particularly considering they have met six times in the format within the last two months. Although South Africa emerged victorious in all four contests, they did so against depleted opposition in three of them. Therefore, solely the most recent incident, which occurred on October 12 in Lucknow, merits significant consideration.

Could it possibly be so? Following South Africa’s 311/7 and 177 runs against the Australians, the latter have regained their composure and won seven consecutive matches. The South Africans might not mind that much; the idea of Australia as the lesser, more susceptible team could drive them insane.

Moreover, since Temba Bavuma tore a hamstring in the field on Friday against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad, they have had ample time to reflect. Bavuma’s fitness for Thursday’s match has not been confirmed, a circumstance that may have a greater psychological impact on the South Africans than a financial one.

Although Bavuma has only scored 145 runs in seven innings for the team during the tournament, which is less than any of the other regular batsmen, his leadership and presence are valued highly. South Africa emerged victorious in his absence due to a gastrointestinal ailment that prevented him from attending the Wankhede matches against England and Bangladesh. However, they become a more composed and tranquil group when Bavuma is in the lineup.