Summary

  • Australia book World Cup final date against hosts India

  • Cummins and Starc see Australia to three-wicket victory

  • Regular wickets keep SA in contention on spinning wicket

  • Head (62) and Smith (30) top-score for Australia

  • South Africa bowled out for 212

  • Miller hits 115-ball century, bringing up hundred with a six

  • Klaasen (47) & Miller put on 95 for fifth wicket

  • South Africa slump to 24-4 under grey skies

  • Starc & Cummins take three wickets each

  1. Postpublished at 09:24 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Aaron Finch
    Former Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    It was a big call from Pat Cummins to keep Starc on here for a sixth, but there's no point saving him overs for the end if he's going to blow the top order away.

  2. Postpublished at 09:24 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    StarcImage source, Reuters

    Well, he kept Starc on and it has paid off!

  3. wicket

    WICKETpublished at 10.5 overs

    Markram c Warner b Starc 10 (SA 22-3)

    Disaster for Aiden Markram.

    It's not quite as wide as the delivery a few balls earlier which Markram nailed to the fielder, and this time he slices it to the hands of the grateful David Warner.

    South Africa on the ropes.

  4. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:22 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    #bbccricket

    Mike Bell: Why on earth would you bat first in conditions that include a nearly 40% chance of rain?

  5. Postpublished at 09:21 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Aaron Finch
    Former Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    The outfield is rapid, once it's past the ring it'll be four every time. Markram has to be patient and not try to over-hit it.

  6. SA 22-2published at 10.3 overs

    It's certainly a contrast to yesterday's opening blitz by India in Mumbai.

    Australia persist with two slips which allows Aiden Markram to ride the bounce of the first ball of Mitchell Starc's sixth over and steer it into the legside for four. Nice shot.

    That gives Markram the confidence to expansively drive at a wider one but once again Australia's razor sharp fielding prevents any runs off the bat.

  7. Postpublished at 09:19 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Thanks, Sam.

    Two of the four matches at Eden Gardens in this tournament have been low-scoring affairs. There's still a long way to go in this one.

  8. SA 18-2published at 10 overs

    I cannot stress enough how good Josh Hazlewood has been today.

    Just remarkably consistency and the ability to move the ball both ways off the seam. He's been nigh-on unplayable so far.

    Aiden Markram pinches a single from the last to deny him another maiden and that is the powerplay over.

    It's time for me to hand over to Timothy Abraham, who might hope to oversee more than 18 runs in the next 10 overs.

  9. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:15 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    I have terrible feeling that I will have to support Australia in the final. One of those games where I don't want anyone to win.

    Jim. S Wales

  10. Postpublished at 09:15 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Aaron Finch
    Former Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    Mitchell StarcImage source, Getty Images

    It's unusual to see Mitchell Starc bowl five overs up front but he has been immaculate today after a tournament where he hasn't quite been at his best.

  11. Postpublished at 09:14 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Geoff Lemon
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    South Africa were absolutely desperate for that.

  12. SA 17-2published at 9 overs

    A boundary!

    It has taken until more than halfway through the ninth over but South Africa have their first four of the match.

    Full and on the pads from Mitchell Starc and Aiden Markram whips the ball through square leg.

    It takes the Proteas past the lowest powerplay total in World Cup history - so that's something.

  13. Postpublished at 09:12 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Aaron Finch
    Former Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    HazlewoodImage source, Getty Images

    Australia have saved at least 20 runs in the field already. It has been clinical.

  14. Postpublished at 09:12 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Geoff Lemon
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    That was four from the moment it left the bat. Remarkable from Labuschagne.

  15. SA 12-2published at 8.2 overs

    What a stop that is from Marnus Labuschagne at extra cover!

    Rassie van der Dussen times the drive nicely but the Labuschagne sprints to this left and puts in a full-length dive to stop it one-handed.

    Three runs saved. There is just no let up from Australia with the ball or in the field.

  16. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 09:10 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    Dunno why but had a dream last night that SA batted first and tumbled to 15-3. Just seen the latest score!

    Don, Liverpool

  17. Postpublished at 09:09 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Steven Finn
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    I think India had 10 runs after three balls yesterday.

  18. SA 10-2published at 8 overs

    A third slip goes in after Rassie van der Dussen plays and misses at a rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood.

    Those close catchers aren't brought into play in this over, though, and a single apiece for the South Africa batters take their side to double figures.

    It has only taken eight overs to get there.

  19. Postpublished at 09:05 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Steven Finn
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    It gives you such a boost as a bowler to see your fielders diving around and backing you up like that.

  20. Postpublished at 09:05 Greenwich Mean Time 16 November 2023

    Geoff Lemon
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    WarnerImage source, Getty Images

    Australia have bowled well but they are also really ramping up the pressure in the field. They are fielding like demons, nothing is getting past.