South Africa crushed Australia in their league match, so they are favourites to beat Pat Cummins & Co. in the semi-finals here on Thursday. Right? Well, not quite.

CWC 2023 has come a long way since that 134-run victory more than a month ago, and the roller-coaster ride of a round-robin has seen all but India in the trough. In contrast to Australia’s early losses, the Proteas had begun their campaign in style but, like a bolt from the blue, they lost to the Netherlands just five days after beating the Aussies. A lot of water has flown down the Hooghly since, and both teams arrive at the Eden Gardens riding the crest.