Grant Elliott Sees off South Africa and More from the 1st Semi-Final

New Zealand reached the Cricket World Cup final for the first time in their history by beating South Africa in an epic clash in Auckland.

Grant Elliott hit a six off the penultimate ball of the match to see the co-hosts record a four-wicket triumph. The finish sparked wild scenes of celebration among the majority of the crowd inside Eden Park.

Elliott finished up unbeaten on 84 from 73 deliveries after Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson had also both made-half-centuries for the Black Caps.

South Africa played their part in a classic encounter but ultimately came up short yet again in a semi-final.

Their cause was not helped by rain during the first innings; they had worked their way to 216 for three after 36 overs when the heavens opened to cause a delay of over an hour.

They returned to bat for a further seven overs, ending up on 281 for five. The Duckworth-Lewis method left New Zealand needing 298, a score they achieved in the most dramatic of circumstances.

While the Proteas are left to wonder what might have been, the Kiwis get ready to move on to Melbourne for Sunday’s final.

Delivery of the day

Having won the toss and opted to bat first, South Africa found it tough going at the start of their innings.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee made life difficult for the top order, with the former taking two wickets in an impressive opening spell.

Boult’s first victim was Hashim Amla, with the right-hander bowled off an inside edge while attempting to drive a full ball through the covers.

Normally Amla would seize on such a delivery, but for once he failed to get his feet moving in time and paid dearly for the lack of movement.

Shot of the day

There were some almighty sixes hit during the day-nighter, none bigger than one of McCullum’s efforts off Dale Steyn that made the second tier of the stand.

However, there is only one shot that deserves to take the honour.

Elliott’s maximum to win the match was a stunning way to settle matters. Needing five to win with two balls to go, the all-rounder finished things off with one almighty blow.

Steyn served up something on a length and Elliott—who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa—duly launched the paceman into the jubilant supporters at wide long-on.

Catch of the day

Martin Guptill probably felt like he could fly after making 237 not out in New Zealand’s quarter-final victory over West Indies. 

He was certainly soaring again on Tuesday when he jumped in the air at backward point to take a one-handed catch to dismiss Rilee Rossouw for 39.

Faf du Plessis also held on to an excellent catch, not in terms of difficulty but because of the match situation at the time. 

Anderson skied a big hit towards Du Plessis at square leg, with the ball going so high it should have come down with snow on it. However, the South African steadied himself, kept calm and managed to cling on.

Stat of the day 

Picture of the day

In the immediate aftermath, after steering his team to one of their greatest ever one-day wins, Elliott still displayed incredible sportsmanship to console Steyn. It was a touching moment that demonstrated respect at the very highest level.

Next at the World Cup

Attention now switches to Sydney, as Australia and India clash in the second semi-final at the SCG on Thursday.

The two nations have seen plenty of each other over the past six months and while Australia will have home advantage, India are the reigning champions and are unbeaten in the tournament so far.