The 2023 Cricket World Cup is underway in India, and we have yet another great match to look forward to, as South Africa will face Australia at Ekana Sports City in Lucknow on Thursday morning. In the last batch of games, Australia was defeated by India by six wickets, while South Africa could not have asked for a better start, as the proteas delivered one of the best batting performances in Cricket World Cup history with their win against Sri Lanka by scoring a total of 428/5 in their 50 overs, an absolutely magnificent result.
Australia is having some difficulties in finding their form recently, as they were also defeated in South Africa by the Proteas in early September, and lost again to India before their loss to the host nation on Sunday. In total, the Aussie contingent have just won two of their last seven matches. However, this could be a closer match than one would expect, as the Aussies really need to step on the gas if they are to make headways in this edition of the world cup – as they are currently placed in 6th spot – especially considering the talented squad at their disposal.
In fact, recent results notwithstanding, we believe Australia will go into this clash as slight favorites, simply for the fact that their team is more talented on paper, but also because the Aussies are in dire need of a positive result to help them advance out of the group stage. In any case, don’t be surprised if South Africa come out with an amazing performance yet again, as their recent form has undoubtedly led them to become serious candidates to win this edition, perhaps somewhat unexpectedly.
Currently, South Africa are placed in 2nd at the ICC Men’s World Cup – and have 2 points as well from their sole victory. Australia, meanwhile, sit in 6th after their loss to favourites India. With the 2023 World Cup already underway, this will be an important clash for both sides to test what level they are currently at, and how far they can realistically go in this competition.
Australia to Win – 1.66
South Africa to Win – 2.22
