New Zealand will face either Australia or India in the Cricket World Cup 2015 final on Sunday after claiming a thrilling four-wicket win over South Africa.
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Grant Elliot was the hero for the Black Caps as he finished off the run chase with a huge six with the hosts needing 5 more runs to win off 2 balls.
Elliott hit 84 off 73 to lead the run chase, while the likes of Brendon McCullum (59 off 26) and Corey Anderson (58 off 57) both had key roles in the batting performance as New Zealand finally ended their wait to feature in a World Cup final.
In contrast, it was further heartbreak for the South Africans who fall short yet again as despite a spirited effort to take it down to the wire, they didn’t have the killer instinct to finish the game off.
Faf Du Plessis got the day off to a great start with a knock of 82 off 107 balls to lead the way, while AB de Villiers stepped up to smash 65 off 45 deliveries to post a competitive score as the D/L method came into play.
However, too many mistakes in the field cost the Proteas as they missed out on two run-out chances as well as a late catch with confusion in the out-field, and it all added up to costing them a place in the final with Australia and India set to go to battle on Thursday.
De Villiers of all people was particularly guilty of making mistakes in the field, and so the curse goes on for South Africa as they were unable to dispel the growing criticism of their inability to produce when it matters most late in tournaments.
