Thrilling victory earns New Zealand maiden World Cup final appearance

New Zealand reached their first ever Cricket World Cup final after securing a thrilling four-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victory over South Africa in the first semi-final in Auckland on Tuesday.
South Africa's AB de Villiers falls over as he attempts a run out during their Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Auckland. (AP Photo/David Rowland)South Africa's AB de Villiers falls over as he attempts a run out during their Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Auckland. (AP Photo/David Rowland)
South Africa's AB de Villiers falls over as he attempts a run out during their Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Auckland. (AP Photo/David Rowland)

Faf du Plessis (82), AB de Villiers (65 not out) and 49 from 18 balls from David Miller helped South Africa amass 281 for five after a two-hour rain delay reduced the Eden Park encounter to 43 overs per side.

Brendon McCullum (59), Corey Anderson (58) and Grant Elliott (84 not out) kept New Zealand competitive in their chase of 298 runs and, needing 12 off the final over, Elliott hit Dale Steyn for six off the penultimate ball of the match to send the Black Caps into Sunday’s final.