Swapneel Deshpande 
As Australia gears up to face South Africa in the World Cup 2023 semi-final, the cricketing world awaits a potential showdown not just on the field but in the mind games department. According to speculations and a recent revelation by Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc, it seems David Warner is poised to take the lead in sledging the South African team, possibly invoking the infamous “chokers” tag.
The history between Australia and South Africa in ODI World Cup semi-finals adds an extra layer of intensity to this upcoming clash in Kolkata. South Africa, known for their unfortunate history of faltering in crucial knockout games, has faced Australia twice before in the semi-finals, with both instances ending unfavorably for the Proteas.
In the 1999 World Cup semi-final, the match concluded in a tie, and Australia advanced to the final based on their superior standing in the Super Six round. The 2007 World Cup semi-final witnessed Australia dominating South Africa, securing a 7-wicket victory after dismissing them for a mere 149 runs.
Mitchell Starc, speaking on the Willow Talk Podcast, hinted at Warner potentially reviving the chokers narrative during the semi-final in Kolkata. Starc jokingly remarked, “You are spot on. If it’s going to be anyone, it’s probably him [David Warner].”
Acknowledging South Africa’s well-known history of choking in crucial matches, Starc added, “Do they need reminding? They probably know it in their own heads. We don’t have to really mention too much.”
The video clip shared on social media captures the banter between Starc, Brad Haddin, and Alyssa Healy, with Healy suggesting that Warner might be the one to remind South Africa of their past in World Cup semi-finals.
As the tension builds ahead of the semi-final clash on Thursday in Kolkata, the verbal sparring has already begun, adding an extra layer of drama and anticipation to an already crucial encounter in the World Cup 2023.
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