Australia bowled out South Africa for a below-par 212 despite David Miller's defiant 101 in the second semi-final of the 50-over World Cup at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

There remains a heavy cloud cover but despite rain threats looming, the toss took place at the scheduled time.

While South Africa insist they will not be burdened by scarring from their chequered record in World Cup knockout matches, Australia are counting on having experienced World Cup winners giving them a boost when the two old rivals face off in a much-anticipated semifinal in Kolkata on Thursday.

Most cricketers would argue that good preparations make for good World Cup campaigns but after an injury-plagued buildup and a string of other setbacks Australia spinner Adam Zampa might have a different take.

Cricket South Africa on Monday named 18 players for a five-match one-day international series against Australia next month, the team's last outings before the Cricket World Cup in India.

Vernon Philander grabs six wickets in a devastating spell of swing bowling as South Africa crush Australia by a record 492 runs to clinch the four-match series 3-1 at the Wanderers.

Australia wrap up a 118-run win on the fifth day of the first Test against South Africa but the result is likely to be overshadowed by an ugly bust-up between David Warner and Quinton de Kock.