By Neil Manthorp.

South Africa captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to bat first in their World Cup semifinal against Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.

Although rain-showers are forecast in the afternoon weather forecasts suggest there will be sufficient time between showers to complete the match without need for the reserve day on Friday.

South Africa have selected both specialist spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, on a pitch expected to offer generous turn. South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, Gerald Coetzee, is included in the starting XI in place of Lungi Ngidi.

Australia have omitted allrounder Marcus Stoinis in order to play both specialist middle order batters, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

The winners will face unbeaten hosts, India, in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.