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In an intense semi-final, Australia’s new-ball bowling
in surprisingly advantageous conditions and their openers’ batting proved
crucial. Having been in the middle when the winning runs were scored, Mitchell
Starc, who claimed the opening wicket of the game and finished with impressive
statistics of 3 for 34, made this statement.
Starc, the bowler, has had a tough tournament, but in
the first 12 overs, he and Josh Hazlewood claimed five wickets apiece and
reduced South Africa’s top order to 24 for 4. This phase of the match proved to
be the most decisive, even if it would feature many more exciting moments
later.
“I think our powerplay was probably what got us
on our way,” Starc said. “There were other key moments through the
day with bat and ball, but to start the game like that with Joshie and I was
great. Powerplay wickets have probably not been our strong suit through the
tournament, so it’s nice to have a powerplay of what, 2 for 18 or something
like that. The way Josh bowled throughout to finish two for 12 (from eight
overs) was incredible.
“Looking at Josh’s pitch map – that’s what he
does so well in Test match bowling. He was incredible today and the way we run
off each other to have that powerplay that we did, and carry some momentum
through to the middle overs was how we want to start matches. So it was nice to
do it in a big game.”
With the bat, later on, Australia raced to 60 in six
overs, as David Warner struck 29 off 18 balls, and Travis Head went on to make
62 off 48, with Australia chasing 213.
“I think the way not only Trav but also Davey
batted put the pressure straight on South Africa there in the first 10 overs.
We’ve seen throughout the tournament how tough the first 10 overs can be at
certain times of the day, with the hard new balls. When you’re willing to take
the game on like that and sometimes you take a little bit of luck with you, but
the guys were fantastic in that opening partnership.”