We can’t wait to face India: Pat Cummins

Australia defeated South Africa by three wickets in the second semi-final on Thursday to book a last-place finish against India at the 1.3-lakh capacity stadium in Ahmedabad.

Calcutta, November 16: Australia are coming off a nail-biting semi-final win to their name and can’t wait for the World Cup summit against India in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Pat Cummins said.

Australia defeated South Africa by three wickets in the second semi-final on Thursday to book a last-place finish against India at the 1.3-lakh capacity stadium in Ahmedabad.

India had defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final in Mumbai on Wednesday.

“Easier than sitting in the dugout. A nerve-wracking few hours, but a great effort and a great match,” said Cummins during the post-match presentation.

Asked if he would face India in the final, with a huge crowd supporting the hosts, he said: “The stadium will be packed, quite one-sided, but we have to embrace it.

“The great thing is that some of us have been to the finals before. The 2015 World Cup was a highlight of his career, so I can’t wait to play a final there in India.” Cummins said he knew the field would turn later in the game.

“We thought it would do quite well. I didn’t expect Starcy and Josh to bowl so early. A bit somber, flailing around so not too upset.” Speaking of impressive fieldwork at his side, Cummins said: “Something we talk about a lot. Wasn’t up to par at the start of the tournament.

“Davey (Warner), 37, diving around, unbelievable. And the big two up front were incredible.” When Travis Head got two wickets, he said: ‘He has a knack for finding a wicket. There have been several bowlers who have contributed throughout the tournament.

“Inglis also played that beautifully. He looked in control against two very good spinners on a strong wicket. South African captain Temba Bavuma said it was a “dog fight” but admitted Australia were excellent for much of the match.

“Very difficult to put into words. Our character came through. It was a dog fight. The way we started with the bat and the ball was probably the turning point, that’s where we lost it quite a bit.” Asked about the reasons for the collapse of South Africa’s top-flight batting, Bavuma said: “Conditions and the quality of the attack. They (Australian bowlers) were ruthless. We were presented with the conditions, but they really put pressure on us.” South Africa were reduced to 24 for 4 in the 12th over before David Miller hit a magnificent 101 to take the score past the 200-run mark.

“We were gaining momentum at that point (before Klaasen’s dismissal). We have seen how destructive he can be in the latter part of the innings. David Miller showed what he can do as a player and his mentality.

“I would have liked to bowl better so that the other batters could apply themselves. Shamsi was great, we were competitive, but we needed a lot to go well.” He admitted that South Africa had some difficult opportunities (fielding) that failed. “We had chances – difficult chances – but we squandered them. It could have been more proactive, but you need things to go your way.” Bavuma also praised Quinton de Kock and Gerald Coetzee for their performances in the tournament. It was De Kock’s farewell match in the 50-over format.

“As a young guy he (Gerald Coetzee) was a warrior. Not much happened for him to bowl like that and get the wicket of Smith and get us back into the game. He continued until he started cramping.

“He (De Kock) had an excellent tournament. Would have liked to end on a different note, but he will remember the fight we showed as a team. We enjoyed playing with him, in South Africa he will go down as a legend of the game.”