Infotainment Factory: 'Outstanding' young gun praised after near-miracle

South African firebrand Gerald Coetzee left cricket legends in awe after he almost dragged his side to a World Cup final before defeat to Australia.

The 23-year-old produced a late spell for his country that claimed the wickets of Steve Smith and Josh Inglis, and could've had Travis Head early if it wasn't for a dropped catch.

The fast bowler finished the tournament with 20 wickets at 19.80, the most wickets ever for a South African in their first ICC Men's World Cup.

"Given that he's only playing because Anrich Nortje could not play because of injury, this has been outstanding from a young man who only a couple of years ago was playing at the under 19s World Cup," West Indies legend Ian Bishop said on commentary.

Coetzee thought he had Head caught at deep point with his first ball of the game, however sub fielder Reeza Hendricks dropped a tough chance.

Head then went berserk in the over as it finished with 15 runs off it.

Coetzee came back in the 29th over though with Australia 5-156.

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An around-the-wicket tactic gave him the scalp of Smith after the Aussie was bluffed, going back and across to a full ball and hitting it high in the air to be caught by Quinton De Kock in the 34th over.

The right-armer then bowled Inglis six overs later to put Australia in a precarious position at 7-193.

Despite his efforts, the youngster couldn't secure victory for his side, but finished with 2-47.

The defeat didn't lose him any admirers, though, with South African legend Shaun Pollock singing his praises.

"I think he's been a real find for South Africa, his day started with an over of 15 (runs), he would've been a little bit worse for wear after that experience but he's shown a lot of character," he said.

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting also applauded the 23-year-old's efforts, highlighting the ploy that brought Smith and Inglis undone.

"What he's brought today has been very impressive," he said.

"This little tactical change as well getting around the wicket, giving the Australian batsmen something to think about with his pace, good use of the short ball, and followed it up with some really good yorkers.

"What he has done is kept charging in, trying to seize the moment, do the best he can for his team, trying to drag his team across the line."

His captain couldn't speak highly enough after the young gun almost manufactured a miracle.

"As a young guy, he really was the warrior for us," Temba Bavuma said of Coetzee.

"I think at that time for the seamers there wasn't much happening for him to be able to come around the wicket and bowl with the intensity and pressure that he did, and obviously get the big wicket of Steve Smith, get us back into the game, and him not wanting to let go off the ball.

"He kept on going, he was cramping but he kept going. He'll be a big asset for South African cricket going forward."

Australia will play India in the World Cup decider on Sunday night.