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In a scintillating 1st semi-final clash of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, South Africa bowed before New Zealand who has beat them by four wickets to book a berth in the finals. South Africa endured another heartbreak at the World Cup as they were sent home by co-hosts New Zealand in a tense and suspense last-over semi-final clash at Auckland's Eden Park. This is for the first time New Zealand appears in the final of World Cup.
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and South Africa’s A.B. de Villiers are not only the official captains but also the star players for their respective sides. South Africa scored 281- 5 while batting first. The match has been reduced to 43 overs a side after rain forced out the players from the field for nearly two hours and New Zealand's victory target was adjusted to 298 under the Duckworth-Lewis method. South Africa’s, Faf de Plessis made 82, AB de Villiers was not out 65 while David Miller smashed an 18-ball 49. Grant Elliott turned out to be New Zealand's saviour as he scored 84 off 73 balls to guide New Zealand to victory with 1 ball to spare.
The match was spectacular till the end. The whole stadium was filled with tension and suspense till the last over. May be the best match in this World Cup so far.
The score card is below
http://zeenews.india.com/sports/scorecard.html?cbzmid=12901&cbzpage=scorecard#scorecard
By Premji
