nil

New Zeland beat S Africa to reach World Cup final

by IBNS 24 Mar 2015, 11:48 am

Auckland, Mar 24 (IBNS): A mighty sixer by Grant Elliot took New Zealand to their first ever final of ICC World Cup tournament as they beat South Africa by four wickets via Duckworth Lewis in the rain-curtailed, but pulsating first semi-final here on Tuesday.

Chasing a winning target of 298, set on the basis of run rate after South Africa scored 281 for five wickets in 43 overs and rain robbed the game of seven overs, the black caps pulled off the victory with one ball to spare.
 
For the Kiwis Elliot  top scored with an unbeaten 84 after skipper Brendon Mcculum hit 59 and Corey Anderson piled up 58.
 
In the final New Zealand will take on the winners of the second semi-final match to be played between Australia and India on Wednesday..

Rain reduced the match to a 43 overs- a- side affair as Faf du Plessis (82) AB de Villiers (65*) and  David Miller (49) joined to post a competitive total for the Proteas, who batted first.
 
As per Duckworth/Lewis system, New Zealand will need to score 298 runs in 43 overs.

Faf du Plessis hammered seven boundaries and a six in his 107-ball knock.

Rain halted the match after 38th over when South Africans had posted 216 runs for the loss of three wickets.

After losing early wickets and reducing to 114 for three wickets,South African batsmen Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers recovered the innings and added 103 runs in the fourth wicket partnership.

Corey Anderson has taken three wickets for New Zealand.

After six overs, New Zealand were batting at 71 runs for the loss of no wickets, Brendon McCullum  (59*) and Martin Guptill (6*) are currently on the crease.