New Zealand Wins the Thriller

The Semi Finals between New Zealand and South Africa had a great end to the match. The match was even till the last over and even the fifth ball of the last ball. A six hit by Elliot helped the hosts New Zealand team through to a World Cup finals for the first time. New Zealand was set a target of 298 runs in 43 overs to reach the finals. The start gave by McCullum was a blistering one as he scored fours and six very easily. But, after the wicket of the Captain the run rate started to decrease from 11 per over to 6.8 per over. They lost three wickets quickly after the first. Anderson and Elliot gave them a chance to reach the target by a partnership of 100 and more for the fifth wicket. Then the movement came when they lost two quick wickets that put the New Zealand in back foot. It was vettori who hit a four in the final over and then was followed by a winning hit to six by Elliot helping the team reach the score with one ball remaining. Elliot was given the man of the match for his 84 runs off 73 balls.