World Cup 2023: Australia favourites, but South Africa are loaded with match-winners

Australia’s rivalry with South Africa does not have much legacy value as with traditional foes England, nor is it as prickly as with Trans-Tasman neighbours New Zealand. However, it is one in which, in recent years particularly, seen both teams compete with great intensity to win. This undercurrent could make for a great match or, if any one side loses nerve, fizzle out into a no-contest.

As things panned out in the league phase Australia, after a stuttering start, got a tremendous surge of seven wins on the trot. Not just wins, but the manner in which these were achieved highlighted why Australia have such a great record in World Cups, and why they can’t be taken lightly.

Going into this match, the Aussies are firing on all cylinders. The top order – Warner, Head and Marsh – is flush with runs. In the middle, Labuschagne and Smith have come good, with the latter likely to replace Stoinis.

And, of course, Glenn Maxwell is a maverick talent who can win a match off his own bat from any situation.

The Aussie bowling is seasoned and boast high quality pacers as well as the highest wicket-taking spinner in the tournament. Maxwell fills up the need of a second specialist spinner adequately.