Grant Elliot (centre) was the "super hero" of the ICC Cricket World Cup semi final.
Grant Elliot (centre) was the "super hero" of the ICC Cricket World Cup semi final.
History was made at Eden Park on Tuesday night when the New Zealand cricketers defied almost insurmountable pressure to defeat South Africa in an unforgettable Cricket World Cup semifinal.
The outstanding win propels the Black Caps into Sunday's final in front of 100,000 spectators at the magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Who the Black Caps play will be decided later today in Sydney when Australia take on India in what should be another pulsating match.
But it is unlikely to have quite the drama that unfolded at Eden Park.
Many fans have commented on social media that the match rated higher for adrenalin pumping moments than the 2011 Rugby World Cup final at the same ground.
The Black Caps successfully chased 298 off 43 overs after a rain delay reduced the match. The win was the first time in seven appearances at World Cup semifinals that New Zealand has made it to the biggest stage of all.
Tauranga's Trent Boult took two more wickets to move further ahead as the tournament's leading wicket taker with 21 scalps. He has now taken more wickets than any other New Zealander at World Cups, including the great Sir Richard Hadlee.
All-rounders Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott played the innings of their lives. Anderson's calm and assured 58 was full of character as the young Cantabrian, who now calls Tauranga home, stood up when it counted.
But Elliot was the super hero. The 36-year-old, who was born in South Africa and immigrated to New Zealand in 2001, was the last player selected in the World Cup squad. His six into the crowd off champion pace bowler Dale Steyn won the match with a ball to spare and took his score to 84.
It was also wonderful to see one of the finest cricketers to ever wear the silver fern in Daniel Vettori see the run chase through to the end.
Brendon McCullum's team has simply been superb all summer. Now just one more game stands between the Black Caps and the biggest prize in world cricket.
To beat Australia or India at the MCG would be the ultimate finale to a Cricket World Cup that has captured the hearts and minds of all New Zealanders.
