New Zealand v South Africa

	Mob-handed: J-P. Duminy clatters into Farhaan Behardien to give Grant Elliott a vital reprieve © AFP Enlarge
Related Links Tour and tournament reports : The World Cup in 2014-15 Matches: New Zealand v South Africa at Auckland Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: New Zealand | South Africa

At Auckland, March 24, 2015 (day/night). New Zealand won by four wickets (D/L). Toss: South Africa.
In what was immediately proclaimed the greatest cricketing moment on New Zealand soil, Elliott drove the penultimate ball over long-on for six to take the Black Caps into their first World Cup final. Thus ended a gripping contest on the ground where the All Blacks had lifted rugby's Webb Ellis Cup in 2011. South Africa's own World Cup wait went on. Steyn, the bowler, was left prostrate on the pitch, and de Villiers, the beaten captain, struggled to articulate his disappointment.

That Elliott, who finished 84 not out from 73 balls, was born in Johannesburg and once scored a double-hundred for South Africa Under-19 merely twisted the knife; he had the good grace to offer Steyn his condolences. Rain had fallen at an unfortunate time for South Africa during their own innings, just as de Villiers was beginning to impose himself. But they also missed two clear opportunities in the field. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 298 in 43 overs, were given another blistering start by McCullum, who hit Philander out of the attack after one over; two days later, Cricket South Africa had to deny accusations that his selection ahead of Kyle Abbott, the team's most economical bowler in the tournament, was part of their transformation agenda. With 94 needed from 70 balls, and Anderson and Elliott well set, de Villiers failed to hold a poor throw from Rossouw, squandering a run-out chance.

Then, with 14 required from seven, substitute Farhaan Berhardien stood underneath a mishit by Elliott at deep square leg, only for Duminy to run into his line of vision and cause a near-collision. So New Zealand entered the final over 12 runs away: Steyn needed treatment for cramp after two balls, Vettori edged the next to the third-man ropes, and a scampered bye preceded the hit that sparked euphoria among a capacity crowd. Earlier, du Plessis and Rossouw repaired the damage inflicted by Boult, operating at times with four slips and a gully; Henry also bowled aggressively after being thrust in for his World Cup debut following Adam Milne's heel injury. The acceleration sparked by de Villiers brought 87 runs from eight overs, before a heavy shower arrived at 216 for three from 38. Miller struck 49 from 18 balls following the resumption - a cameo that appeared decisive until the thrilling climax. RICHARD HOBSON
Man of the Match: G. D. Elliott.