Cricket World Cup 2019: Another injury blow for Australia in tough run chase

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Steve Smith of Australia walks off after being dismissed off the bowling of Dwaine Pretorius of South Africa.

CLIVE MASON/GETTY IMAGES


Steve Smith of Australia walks off after being dismissed off the bowling of Dwaine Pretorius of South Africa.


Key Australian batsman Usman Khawaja's Cricket World Cup could be over after he was forced to retire hurt with a hamstring injury against South Africa.


Khawaja retired hurt on six and was no certainty to return as Australia struggled in their chase for an imposing 326 to beat South Africa in the 45th and final round robin match at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday (NZT).


Former Australian captain Michael Clarke, on TV commentary, said Khawaja would have at least a grade one tear of his hamstring which meant 10 days out, and the end of his tournament.


Usman Khawaja of Australia is attended to by the team physio before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury.

CLIVE MASON/GETTY IMAGES


Usman Khawaja of Australia is attended to by the team physio before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury.


An Australian defeat would mean they play England in the semifinals at Edgbason on Thursday and the Black Caps face India back at Old Trafford on Tuesday (9.30pm NZT).

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Australia were 125-4, with Khawaja also gone, after 25 overs with the required run rate climbing towards eight an over.


South Africa's captain Faf du Plessis celebrates his century in their imposing total of 325-6 against Australia.

CLIVE MASON/GETTY IMAGES


South Africa's captain Faf du Plessis celebrates his century in their imposing total of 325-6 against Australia.


Opener David Warner racked up another half-century and was the big hope for his side after allrounder Marcus Stoinis was run out for 22 then Glenn Maxwell quickly followed, both to brilliant work by South Africa's wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.


Stoinis, too, looked to be struggling with back spasms during his knock as Australia suddenly looked vulnerable, with Steve Smith also dismissed cheaply for seven.


Backup batsman Shaun Marsh was ruled out of the tournament with a broken arm suffered at net practice last week, meaning a summons for Peter Handscomb.

South Africa, already well out of contention, posted an impressive total of 325-6 thanks to captain Faf du Plessis who cracked 100 off 94 balls.


Australia's imposing pace attack weren't at their best, with Mitchell Starc taking 2-59 off nine overs.

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