‘Scary’ Aussie feat terrifies World Cup

Australia have romped into the semi-finals on the back of seven straight wins and have set themselves for a real shot at the trophy.

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But one of the teams to defeat Australia in the tournament so far is South Africa, who trounced Australia by 134 runs.

The thing going for Australia is a stellar record when it matters most, while South Africa have long been haunted by the ghosts of the past, including the thrilling 1999 World Cup Final where they drew with Australia in one of the wildest games of cricket ever seen.

But it’s knockout cricket and anything can happen. And for the winner, India awaits.

8.43pm — Only thing that can stop Australia strikes

Australia appeared destined for the World Cup Final after that start, and it looked like it would take an act of God to stop them.

Well, that’s what South Africa have got.

It’s raining in Kolkata.

While it’s not that hard at the moment, it shows that Australia has its work cut out for it, and they need more wickets — and quick.

Although no one looks that worried by it, and the fans are still dancing in the stands, it will be constant worry for Australia.

At least 20 overs each will need to be completed to constitute a match, and there is a wet weather contingency day tomorrow, although the forecast is even worse.

If there is no result, South Africa will go through to the World Cup Final to play India, after finishing the group stages with a superior run rate over Australia.

After 14 overs, South Africa are 4/44.

8.28pm — What is happening?!?

South Africa are four down now after Rassie van der Dussen was out edging to Steve Smith at second slip for a 31-ball 6.

It’s utter madness at Kolkata and just some bloody brilliant bowling from the Aussie bowlers.

“Relentless bowling from Hazlewood, backed up beautifully in the field once again,” ricky Ponting said in commentary.

“Very, very safe hands of Steve Smith at second slip. Van der Dussen couldn’t get the ball through the field.

“This is big trouble now for South Africa.”

It’s 4/24.

8.22pm — South Africa three down

What a start from Australia.

Aiden Markram is back in the sheds after slicing Mitchell Starc to David Warner at gully for 10.

It’s been an incredible start for Australia, who now have South Africa 3/22.

Nasser Hussain said in commentary: “They’re in real trouble here South Africa at the start of this second semi-final at Kolkata.

“Bavuma opted to bat first and the top order have been held under lock and key by some brilliant Australia bowling and ground fielding.”

8.20pm — South Africa hit first boundary

This wouldn’t usually be a point in a blog but it’s taken 52 balls for South Africa to hit their first four of the match, with Aiden Markram slamming a ball over the boundary for four.

This has been pure insanity from Australia.

Australia has South Africa 2/18 off the first 10 overs.

In commentary, Shane Watson said that conventional wisdom is that the wicket would be dry and a batters paradise.

7.56pm — Australia are on fire

The commentators have been talking about Australia taking wickets in the powerplay — well they’ve saved that for the most important time in the World Cup.

Australia has South Africa 2/8 off 5.4 overs after Quinton de Kock skied a ball off Josh Hazlewood, with captain Pat Cummins taking the catch as the ball came down from the stratosphere.

Australia are all over the South Africans, who, remember, won the toss.

It’s a brutal start for Australia, who have not conceded a four so far in the opening six over of the match.

7.35pm — Australia’s perfect start

Mitchell Starc has done it again.

The Aussie quick may not have had the best tournament, but he has delivered in the first over of the match, drawing the edge of South African captain Temba Bavuma with the sixth ball of the match.

The ball is doing plenty for the Aussies and it’s been tough going for the Proteas.

7.10pm — Australia lose toss, make brutal call

Australia has lost the toss and will bowl first in Kolkata, with the weather around the ground setting a chaotic scene for the match.

If overs are lost later in the match, Australia could be facing reduced overs and a reduced run total, but at a higher run rate.

But Australia has had to make a brutal call, leaving out Marcus Stoinis for the semi-final, despite his ability to blast the ball around the field.

With Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc coming into the team for Stoinis and Sean Abbott, it means Marnus Labuschagne has retained his spot.

Although Labuschagne has had the superior performance in the World Cup, his strike rate is down compared to Stoinis.

Weather was seen as the one scenario that could save Stoinis spot, even though the all-rounder hasn’t fired in the World Cup but even that hasn’t been able to do it.