The Cricket World Cup began on February 14 with 14 teams. More than a month later, the tournament has been reduced to four countries including defending champion India, four-time winners Australia and their co-host New Zealand, and South Africa.
"The best four teams are in the semi-finals, and I don't think many people could disagree with that," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said Sunday.
Here's a quick guide to the semi-finals. The winners advance to the final on Sunday, March 29 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
New Zealand vs South Africa, Tuesday, March 24
Eden Park, Auckland.
SO FAR: Co-host New Zealand haven't lost a match in winning Pool A and then defeating the West Indies by 143 runs in the quarter-finals. South Africa lost two of their six pool matches to finish second in Pool B and also had a comfortable win in the quarter-finals, beating Sri Lanka by nine wickets.
THE STARS: For New Zealand, Martin Guptill has been exceptional, scoring a World Cup-record 237 not out in Saturday's win over the West Indies. He has scored 498 runs in seven innings and is second only to Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara's 541 in the scoring standings. New Zealand's Trent Boult leads all wicket-takers with 19 while teammates Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee have added 15 each.
For South Africa, AB de Villiers has tallied 417 runs and is always a threat at the crease. Legspinner Imran Tahir has taken 15 wickets for the Proteas, while Morne Morkel has added 14.
QUOTABLE: "We've got a lot of scouting to do of a quality South African side:" Guptill on the semi-final opposition. "It was a big-pressure game, and we just showed everyone that we can do it:" said De Villiers after South Africa ended their decades-long streak of never winning a knockout match at the World Cup.
Australia vs IndiaThursday, March 26Sydney Cricket Ground
SO FAR: After a lackluster Test series and one-day tri-series in Australia in which India couldn't manage a win, the defending champions have been perfect at the World Cup, winning all six preliminary matches to finish first in Pool B and then beating Bangladesh by 109 runs in the quarter-finals.
Australia lost by one wicket to New Zealand and only received a point for a washed-out match against Bangladesh to finish second to the Kiwis in Pool A. The co-hosts beat Pakistan by six wickets in the quarter-finals.
THE STARS: India opener Shikhar Dhawan is among the tournament leaders with 367 runs scored while Mohammed Shami has taken 17 wickets, placing him third among all bowlers in the tournament so far. Australia has received contributions from a number of batsmen in their lineup, but none feature among the top 10 scorers, while left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is second to Boult among leading wicket takers with 18.
QUOTABLE: "Australia's batting is encouraging for Indian pacers. They can put pressure on the Aussie lineup:" retired Indian batsman VVS Laxman. "They've worked out conditions and they've spent so much time here. I think MS Dhoni deserves a lot of credit the way he's been able to turn things around as the leader, as the captain. They're playing some really good cricket, there's no doubt about it:" Australia captain Michael Clarke on the semi-final opposition.
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