Grant Elliott was the hero as New Zealand booked a place in the cricket World Cup final for the first time ever, edging out South Africa in a thrilling encounter.
Kiwi joy —
Grant Elliott was the hero as New Zealand booked a place in the cricket World Cup final for the first time ever, edging out South Africa in a thrilling encounter.
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Batting first, South Africa were motoring along until a two-hour rain break disrupted its momentum. It finished on 281 after 43 overs, a target increased to 298 due to the Duckworth/Lewis method of calculation used when weather affects games. Faf du Plessis top scored with 82.
Minimum of Faf —
Batting first, South Africa were motoring along until a two-hour rain break disrupted its momentum. It finished on 281 after 43 overs, a target increased to 298 due to the Duckworth/Lewis method of calculation used when weather affects games. Faf du Plessis top scored with 82.
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The hosts came hurtling out of the traps, captain Brendon McCullum smashing a half-century in just 22 balls, but it was struggling at 149-4 when Elliott came to the crease.
Fast start —
The hosts came hurtling out of the traps, captain Brendon McCullum smashing a half-century in just 22 balls, but it was struggling at 149-4 when Elliott came to the crease.
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Elliott, who survived a run out scare and a dropped catch, judged his innings perfectly and struck the decisive blow from the penultimate ball. His six off Dale Steyn secured victory and sent the crowd in Auckland wild.
Great Grant —
Elliott, who survived a run out scare and a dropped catch, judged his innings perfectly and struck the decisive blow from the penultimate ball. His six off Dale Steyn secured victory and sent the crowd in Auckland wild.
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Steyn lies devastated after South Africa's defeat. It was the fourth time it had been beaten at the semifinal stage in the one-day tournament.
A permanent Steyn —
Steyn lies devastated after South Africa's defeat. It was the fourth time it had been beaten at the semifinal stage in the one-day tournament.
Hannah Peters/Getty Images
New Zealand's players celebrate after its win. McCullum told the crowd the Kiwi players were enjoying "the greatest time of our lives." It will face either India or fellow hosts Australia in Sunday's final.
The final instalment —
New Zealand's players celebrate after its win. McCullum told the crowd the Kiwi players were enjoying "the greatest time of our lives." It will face either India or fellow hosts Australia in Sunday's final.
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