Other News
South Africa are out of the World Cup!─── 12:21 Tue, 24 Mar 2015
New Zealand has reached their first ever Cricket World Cup final by beating South Africa by 4 wickets in Auckland with one ball to spare in the rain affected first semi-final.
The Black Caps chased down the revised target in the 42.5 overs, with South African-born Grant Ellit smashing Dale Steyn over cow corner for a six for the winning runs.
After captain Brendan McCullum got the home side off to a blistering start with the bat, the Kiwis never really looked back in the match which made for a thrilling affair.
Elliot finished on 84 not out from 73 deliveries, while McCullum (59) and Corey Anderson contributed with the willow.
Morné Morkel was the pick of the South African bowlers with 59/3 in 9 overs, while along with Dale Steyn (76/1 off 8.5 overs) and Vernom Philander (52/0 in 8) the seamers conceded 187 runs.
Imran Tahir was the most economical Proteas bowler with 40/1 in 9 overs.
The big fear going in the tournament was South Africa’s lack of a fifth bowler and between them, JP Duminy and AB de Villiers went for 64 runs in 8 overs.
It’s the first time in the Black Caps have advanced to the final after losing in the semi-finals in five previous attempts.
They will face the winner of Thursday second semi between co-hosts Australia and India in Sunday’s final at the MCG in Melbourne.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
