World Cup 2023: AUS vs SA semi-final confirmed, India almost certain of playing this dangerous opponent

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World Cup 2023: Australia defeated Afghanistan on the back of a historic double hundred from Glenn Maxwell on Tuesday, and booked a spot in the semi-final of the World Cup 2023.

Their win also confirmed one of the semi-final matches between Australia and South Africa. The two sides clashed against each other in the blockbuster 1999 World Cup semi-final which ended in a tie but Australia qualified as they finished higher on the Super Six table.

The 2007 World Cup also saw Australia vs South Africa semi-final. Australia won the match by seven wickets this time. This time around, South Africa have been one of the teams to watch out for and stopping them won't at all be easy for Australia. South Africa would look to do away with their chokers tag for once and all to qualify for their maiden final.

World Cup 2023: Who will India play in semi-final?

However, table-toppers India's opponent is yet to be decided. A tough battle is going between New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan for the fourth and final semi-finals spot.

The second and the third-ranked teams after the league will clash against each other in the semi-finals. India, who are having 16 points, are set to finish at the top. South Africa and New Zealand will play a match each in the league stage, and they can reach a maximum of 14 points. New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan (left with one match each) can attain a maximum of 10 points at the end of group stage, and will finish at the fourth spot only.

India vs Afghanistan semi-final: Highly Unlikely

Afghanistan have the lowest chance to qualify for the semi-finals and clash against India. Their Net Run Rate (NRR) is negative and they face South Africa in their last game. South Africa were thrashed by India in their last and would look to get back their confidence with a thumping win over Afghanistan. Even if Afghanistan manage to win, they will have to hope Pakistan and New Zealand lose their last league matches.

India vs Pakistan semi-final: Tough

Pakistan will have to beat England to set up a semi-final clash against India. England are looking to book a berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The top eight teams after the league stage will qualify for the eight-team event to be held in Pakistan.

England, the ousted defending champions, will also look to win the match for their pride. Completely mauled in the tournament, the Jos Buttler-led side would look to end their campaign with a win at least.

Not only will Pakistan face a very tough challenge, they will also have to hope for New Zealand to lose their match against completely out-of-form Sri Lanka.

India vs New Zealand: Very Likely

A repeat of the 2019 semi-final between India and New Zealand is on the cards. New Zealand have a superior NRR than Pakistan and Afghanistan, and they just have to beat Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they posted a 402-run target for Pakistan in their last match.

New Zealand are an excellent team with superstars of the game in each departments of the game. Sri Lanka are under pressure and completely out of form. A New Zealand win and India vs New Zealand semi-final is very likely to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 15.