Of the 33 ODIs yielding results at Eden Gardens, 20 were won by the team batting first. Only twice has the team batting second won in the last 10 matches at the iconic venue. Both teams have been preparing for the match with practice sessions.
South Africa has successfully defended their score on three occasions, while Australia stands on relatively even ground, having won three out of four chases. The inclusion of a chase specialist like Glenn Maxwell, positioned at number six, provides a sense of assurance for Australia, even if their pursuit encounters early setbacks.
Historically, Eden Gardens has favored teams setting a target. Recent trends further emphasize this imbalance, with only two instances of the team batting second emerging victorious in the last 10 matches. Both teams are likely to keep these statistics in mind as they approach this crucial encounter.
The dew factor is also a concern, as it can make an ordinary team look good. In preparation for this high-stakes World Cup semifinal, both teams diligently shared time slots for practice on Monday and Tuesday, aiming to familiarize themselves with the conditions awaiting them on Thursday.