Australia vs South Africa, World Cup Finals, live updates, blog, news, fixtures, weather, team selections, Glenn Maxwell returns, Pat Cummins, when does the World Cup final start?

Mitchell Starc has created an early breakthrough in Australia’s semi-final against South Africa, removing rival captain Temba Bavuma in the first over of the match for a duck.

The left-armer found the Proteas skipper’s outside edge from over the wicket, with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis claiming the low catch.

A few minutes later, Josh Hazlewood knocked over the dangerous Quinton de Kock, who attempted a wiuld slog and was caught by Pat Cummins for 3.

South Africa is currently 2-8 in the seventh over, with Aiden Markram (0*) and Rassie van der Dussen (3*) unbeaten in the middle.

MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs South Africa scorecard

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in Thursday’s semi-final against Australia at Eden Gardens.

Marcus Stoinis has been dropped for the must-win contest, with Marnus Labuschagne retaining his spot in the starting XI.

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Australia XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

South Africa XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi

Wet weather is predicted to hit Kolkata, with rain expected to arrive on Thursday and Friday due to a “cyclonic circulation” off the coast, according to the India Meteorological Department.

However, the forecast has since softened with only moderate showers being predicted to fall during the crucial clash.

According to Weather.com (as of 3pm AEDT Thursday) rain is possible at around 12pm local time (5.30pm AEDT) but it should only be very light showers and should clear up by 2pm local time (7.30pm AEDT) – when the match is scheduled to start.

More showers are possible throughout the evening, but again should only be minimal.

According to most predictions, the intermittent showers should allow plenty of play, even if there are some pauses in the action.

Should weather stop the game from going ahead on Thursday, the reserve day on Friday will be activated, with the match resuming from where it left off.

However, should weather stop the game altogether, South Africa will be the team who progress through to the final against India.

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