SA vs AUS, World Cup 2023 semifinal: Tabraiz Shamsi celebrates wildly after getting prized scalp of Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell was not able to repeat the magic of Wankhede Stadium as he got out for 1 in the all-important World Cup semi-final against South Africa, days after he hit a sensational 201 that was regarded as one of the finest, if not the finest, ODI knocks. Glenn Maxwell, who returned to action after resting through Australia’s final league game against Bangladesh, lasted only 5 deliveries on a turning pitch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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Glenn Maxwell had produced an all-time World Cup classic as he hit 201 not out, helping Australia recover from 91 for 7 to chase down 292 against Afghanistan in a crunch league game of World Cup 2023 in Mumbai.

Maxwell was promoted ahead of Josh Inglis after Australia were in a spot of bother, slipping to 123 for 4 in the 22nd over, chasing 213 in a low-scoring affair in the second semi-final.

Maxwell did not try to survive the spin threat from South Africa even as Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj were getting the ball to rip off the surface in Kolkata. The big-hitting all-rounder went for a cross-batted heave and lost his stumps as Shamsi’s delivery sneaked through the gap and uprooted the leg-stump.

Shamsi was unable to control his delight as he set off for an adrenaline-pumping run across the ground. Shami punched the air in euphoric celebration even as his teammates were trying to catch him. Shamsi bowled 8 overs in a spell in the middle-overs and got the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Maxwell.

Shamsi’s celebration was reminiscent of Imran Tahir’s euphoric wicket celebrations in the past.

Notably, Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal was a carbon copy of his dismissal in Australia’s World Cup opener against India. Maxwell tried to attack the only other left-arm wrist-spinner in the tournament, Kuldeep Yadav, and lost his leg-stump in the process.

Despite the quick wickets in the middle-overs, Australia were cruising toward the finish line as Steve Smith held fort at one side, not worrying about his strike rate.

Earlier in the day, South Africa won the toss and collapsed to 24 for 4 as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood ran riot with the new ball in overcast conditions. David Miller played the lone warrior’s role, hitting a 115-ball 101, the first century by a South African batter in a knockout match in men’s World Cup.