And that is where we're going to leave it. Fourteen teams have been reduced to three, and after six failed attempts, co-hosts New Zealand have finally reached their first World Cup final. You can already read Stephan Shemilt's match report on the BBC Sport website.,
It ends there for South Africa - but not for the tournament. It's over to Sydney on Thursday where Australia and India meet for the right to play NZ in the final. Play gets under way at 03:30 GMT - so set your alarm clock and make sure you join us on the live text from 03:00.
That's it from us. New Zealand have their dream final, and South Africa, I think, can hold their heads high after a superb game. Goodbye for now.
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New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor: What a game. What's the first thing you do when u win a semi? Everyone cleans their boots for Oz customs.
Captain Brendon McCullum, as he does so often, gave New Zealand impetus with a characteristically pugnacious 59 from 26 balls. Their hopes eventually rested with a century stand from Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson.
While Anderson holed out for 58, Elliott - who was born in Johannesburg and learned his cricket in South Africa before moving to New Zealand - saw the Black Caps home with an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls.
In a thrilling finish, Elliott launched Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, for six into the stand from the penultimate ball of the match to book their place in Sunday's final, leaving a couple of South Africa players in tears.
Former All Blacks hooker and captain Sean Fitzpatrick on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was fantastic. The whole of New Zealand has got behind the cricket team and I think as AB de Villiers said post match, it was the most electric atmosphere.
"The whole World Cup has been fantastic. Brendon McCullum has turned this team around from four years ago. They have come out and played a brand of cricket that is being enjoyed all over the world.
"They have stayed under then radar a bit, had a good build-up but have come in and delivered. Players like McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor are just phenomenal. They are amazing to watch."
It all began just under 10 hours ago when South Africa walked out to bat after winning the toss. Trent Boult struck twice early on, but Faf du Plessis (82), Rilee Rossouw (39) and AB de Villiers (65 not out) took the Proteas to 216-3 from 38 overs when the rain came - which reduced the game to 43 overs per side.
David Miller then took the initiative with 49 from 18 balls to help SA post 281-5 - with New Zealand being set an adjusted target of 298 from 43 overs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.
On Twitter: "South Africa DID NOT CHOKE. They got beaten by a better team today. AB led the team wonderfully well. But, well done NZ. See you in Sydney."
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Khalil Ismail: AB de Villiers: "We play to make a difference in our country back home." South Africans should be proud, words of a true leader.
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Former Australia spinner Shane Warne: What a game of cricket in New Zealand. Please hold your heads high South Africa, you've done everyone proud as you gave it absolutely everything. Congratulations to the NZ team who were outstanding in their run chase. NZ held their nerve and are through to their first World Cup final.
APCopyright: AP
Post update
Earlier today, prompted by the TMS panel discussion during the rain break, we were asking you what rule changes you would like to see made to one-day international cricket.
On reflection, the rules of a game which produces a finish like we've just had... can't be THAT badly wrong, surely?
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Nkain84: What a game of cricket, can only dream of England playing like that!
Andy Donley: 50 over cricket is so much better than Twenty20 for me. Tension like that wouldn't be created in a 40-over game.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Mark Pettman, trying to concentrate in the City: What a game. But three missed run-outs and a dropped catch will haunt South Africa for years.
Wayne, UAE: South Africa choosing to bat first knowing there were high probability risks of poor weather impacting the first innings resulting in reduced overs was a stupid decision.
AFPCopyright: AFP
Player reaction
More from NZ all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "Everyone in the team knows they have got a job to do. Although we've got through, we still have not achieved what we want to and that's win the World Cup.
"We've been trying to play with smiles on our faces and please the people of New Zealand. They have fallen in love with the team and hopefully we can go out on Sunday and put in a good performance.
"It's going to be the first time for a lot of us to play at the MCG, it's going to be the biggest event that we've ever played in. The crowd will not be like it's been here if Australia go through. Their crowd will be on us, but that's something we're looking forward to."
AFPCopyright: AFP
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iKopite: Hard not to tear up (in the office. at work) seeing the reactions from Morkel, ABD & Steyn. Gave it their all.
Peter: Looks like Duminy knows Behardien's catching ability. The ball shot through his hands before JP arrived.
Player reaction
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "It's a dream come true. There have been a lot of teams trying very hard for New Zealand to try to get to the final and we're lucky enough to be the team to do it.
"Brendon (McCullum) is massive for us. He teed off and put us ahead of that run rate, and they struggled to come back after that. That's what he has been doing all tournament and he's very good at it. Even though he got 50, it would be nice for him if he gets a big score on Sunday. We could have lost a few wickets and fallen in a heap but to get 298 off 43 overs is a massive chase."
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Rob Weaver: Great game, rain spoilt the game... Dropped catches... run out missed... SA did not choke just bad luck, well played SA!
Alan Compton: Not to be 'that guy' but who is England's McCullum? England's ABDV? Cook? Morgan? Big problem.
Post update
Elsewhere in the world of cricket, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra have switched over to Abu Dhabi where it's day three of the Champion County match between MCC and Yorkshire.
More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "All credit to South Africa, the way they have played has been a great advert for cricket and their country. They gave us one hell of a run.
"It's the greatest time of our lives as players. It's an incredible ride, the crowd has supported this team and the brand of cricket we have played. Hopefully they're dreaming like we are. It would be nice to win it. Both teams in the other semi-final are quality teams and we know if we play the way we can we have a chance."
"Even De Villiers took the mantle to bowl, and you could arguably say he was one of South Africa's best bowlers. To go for 21 off three overs, at a time when New Zealand needed boundaries - he gave it absolutely everything in this game."
Captain's view
More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "It was a great advert for cricket. Everyone that was here will remember it for the rest of their lives. We have given ourselves a chance of World Cup glory and I'm proud of our efforts.
"We knew we just had to hang in there and give ourselves a chance. At the end what a great innings from Grant Elliott. He came out of the wilderness not long ago and now just played a match-winning innings in a World Cup semi-final."
"To be fair to South Africa, someone up there doesn't want them in a final, but their time will come - they're oozing with talent. Before that rain break, they were going to post 360-370 and that would have been too much for New Zealand. You can't talk about choking."
More from New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott who scored 84 not out and hit the winning six: "Hopefully, all our supporters got what they wanted. We've had two close, amazing games here now.
"We will probably have a few drinks in the changing rooms. I don't like to get too high or low - I prefer to reflect later - but it is a great moment to share with family and the team. The win is for the supporters.
"I think we left it a little too late. I can say that now even though we won it. South Africa have a world-class unit and they bowled well. We got a bit of luck but it was our day.
"The feeling in the team is that it is destined. That is how I felt. It feels like it was meant to be. The best team on the day will win the final. We have nothing to lose. Someone has to step up."
"I honestly thought South Africa had done enough with three or four overs to go, but Grant Elliott stayed so calm out there. You have to feel sorry for Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, great professionals who gave it everything out there, but hats off to New Zealand."
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Kristin Carmichael: Notice there was no sledging, aggro or nastiness? They just got on with it, played cricket & gave us a game to be remembered!
A very good point, Kristin. It can be done.
Post update
South Africa have entertained - but fallen short. Thoughts now turn to those who might not be around at the next tournament in four years' time. Dale Steyn, for instance, will turn 36 in the summer of 2019, will he manage to get his battered body through another four years of international cricket between now and then? Hashim Amla will be 36. De Villiers 35, Morne Morkel 34. And Imran Tahir, who will be 36 on Friday, will be 40 by the time the next World Cup comes around.
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Captain's view
More from South Africa captain AB de Villiers: "It was an amazing game. I couldn't ask for anything more. We're hurting over this. We play for the people back home, hopefully the passion we showed made a difference and that people can still be proud of us, even though we have lost tonight.
"There have been some wonderful performances. We had a wonderful thing going. We are a unit, but the unit came unstuck today. There have been very good individual performances throughout the tournament. To the teams in the final, all the best for whoever wins."
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Australia head coach Darren Lehmann: Congrats @NZcricket1 and congrats @BrendanMcCullum and team, loved the ANZAC spirit, well done to Grant Elliott!
Ex-New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming: What an unbelievable game. So proud of the @BLACKCAPS and what they have achieved. Also feel the raw pain of @OfficialCSA on an amazing day.
Captain's view
South Africa captain AB de Villiers on TMS: "It is really painful. We have no regrets. We left it all out on the field. We had opportunities and it will take us a long time to get over this. All the best to New Zealand today. They played a great game. I was happy with the total, we had chances in the field and didn't take them and came undone against a team who played better cricket.
"It was an electric vibe tonight and probably the best crowd I've ever played in front of. We go away with sore hearts."
APCopyright: AP
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Ashley Graham: Sport is a difficult mistress at times like this but what a finale. Both teams deserve to be in the final really.
Ilyas Najib: 1992, 2003, and now 2015, South Africa, rain and World Cups just don't mix.
Post update
Spare a thought for captain AB de Villiers, being lined up for yet another post-match interview when he must feel like hell, or JP Duminy, who may well replay that crucial dropped catch - when he cannoned into Farhaan Behardien who seemed to have it covered - thousands of times before he goes to sleep tonight. If he can sleep.
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Here's some reaction from other players who've played at this World Cup:
Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene: What a semi final! I feel for the SA boys. Well done to NZ.
Australia batsman Steve Smith: Amazing game of cricket!!! Well done New Zealand.
England seamer Chris Woakes: Proper game of cricket!! So good to see one of the good guys @grantelliottnz see NZ home. Well done New Zealand!
Post update
New Zealand now doing a lap of honour around Eden Park. After eight game on home soil, they must now cross the Tasman Sea - aka "The Ditch" - to the cavernous MCG, where they will play Australia or India on Sunday.
Captain's view
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum on TMS: "These boys, I am so proud of them. A lesser team would have laid down today. To see Grant come in and be as calm as he was... we've given ourselves a chance of the big prize. Credit to South Africa, they gave as good as they got. I feel for them at the moment. But out boys were outstanding. And it was a great semi-final.
"It was important we created a run-rate early on. But it all pales in comparison to that innings from Grant. We've got one shot at glory now and we look forward to Melbourne."
APCopyright: AP
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Alan Simon: Great win by NZ but South Africa would've been out of sight had it not been for the rain break. Big slice of luck for the Kiwis.
Ashley Wells: If that were England, we'd have lost by 150 runs and then claimed we were making progress.
Man of the match
New Zealand's Grant Elliott: "It is great. I don't think this win is for myself, or the team, it is for everyone here. The support has been amazing.
"We just wanted to take it as deep as we could. Corey (Anderson) batted well and we timed the innings to perfection. When you have 40,000 fans screaming at you every ball, it has been an absolute pleasure playing at Eden Park and playing in front of the home crowd.
"We have had a good run, this is the first final we have been in and we will approach it as any other match."
"This is the first time New Zealand have won 10 consecutive ODIs."
Man of the match
New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott, who made an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls and hit the winning runs, is handed the man-of-the-match award by the unmistakeable figure of Windies legend Clive Lloyd. We'll hear from him shortly.
Post update
New Zealand batsman Corey Anderson on TMS: "It feels unbelievable. The best feeling I've ever had. We haven't achieved what we want yet. We want to win the whole thing.
"That was a big score to chase in 43 overs, but to do it with one ball to spare... Everyone chipped in when they needed top. Brendon put us on the front foot and that made it easier for the guys coming in.
"To stay calm like that and hit a six off the best bowler of the world. Its unbelievable."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
So, after four wins and two defeats in the group stage, and a cruise past Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals, it's all over for South Africa again.
Post update
Proteas reserve Wayne Parnell tries to console the tearful Morkel, while even AB de Villiers - a Superman of the modern game - seems to be welling up too. Maybe he's human after all.
Coney's right - cricket can be a cruel game. For on an occasion like this, there has to be a winner and a loser.
New Zealand are finally into a World Cup final at the seventh time of asking (in terms of semi-final appearances), and South Africa have a fourth unsuccessful appearance in the last four.
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BLACKCAPS: Six! We're in the final! Fair play to @OfficialCSA, that was a hell of a match
Cricket South Africa: 6 and New Zealand win by 4 wickets. It's all over for the Proteas. Hard luck boys. We always stand behind the #ProteaFire
"Marvellous scenes. You should see 40,000 people starting the party. I'm so sorry for South Africa.
"Sport becomes cruel in these circumstances. Don't talk to me about choking. They have given everything they could and they tried hard. The rain cruelly prevented South Africa going any further in their innings.
"What a fantastic game of cricket. It has captivated people, not just in the stadium, but around the world. It is a very good example of cricket."
Final scorecard
New Zealand 299-6 (42.5 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
The fireworks are set off around Eden Park, amid scenes of jubilation rarely seen there except at a packed rugby international. An astonishing game of cricket, players console each other, and Morne Morkel has even started shedding a few tears.
"He's put Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, into the stand, and South Africa have been denied again."
Champagne moment
New Zealand win by four wickets!
Unbelievable! Steyn delivers and Elliott launches the ball high into the stands. Eden Park erupts. Elliott, the South African-born player has sent New Zealand through to their first World Cup final at the expense of his home country. What a game of cricket!
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
NZ 293-6
Six to win outright. Five to go through with a tie. Swing, miss, they run a bye, keeper's throw misses the stumps, then Steyn's throw misses the other stumps. Five to win the match, but four to go through.
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Maddy Raman: Duminy what are you doing? Never your catch. Sheer panic descending into both teams.
"It ran quickly to wide third man. You just run whatever now."
NZ 292-6
Vettori has been a hero for NZ so often through the years. Can he be again here? Steyn bowls a wide full toss and Vettori stabs at it and sends the ball spinning down to the boundary where it beats a diving fielder. And just like that, the game is the co-hosts to win again.
Post update
Physio on. If Steyn can't finish the over... Morkel and Tahir have bowled their allocation. Three bowlers can bowl nine and two can bowl no more than eight. Philander has bowled eight. So if Steyn can't bowl, it would have to be Duminy or De Villiers.
But it looks like the old warhorse is up on his feet. 10 from four balls needed.
"It looks like cramp. Dale Steyn was off the field earlier as well. So far, it is advantage South Africa. Vettori is on strike and he can't afford to miss the ball. New Zealand need a four."
Ouch!
And now Steyn looks like he has cramp... it's all happening!
NZ 288-6
Elliott facing. Field shuffled - mid-off and mid-on up. A low full toss is punched to extra cover, they can only run one. 10 from four balls.
NZ 287-6
The last over. It is Steyn to deliver it. Six balls to decide this gripping semi-final. Vettori swings and misses from the first ball but they run and claim a bye. 11 needed off 5.
Post update
Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"Excellent from Neil Manthorp. 'Berhardien and Duminy have played with each other from under-11 level. They grew up in the same part of Cape Town. When the needed to communicate, they couldn't.'"
"I don't know whether it was the screaming crowd. Duminy must have known Behardien was there. It was a mistake, a chance lost, but South Africa are still in the game."
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Dropped catch
NZ 286-6
The Eden Park crowd are on their feet. 14 needed from seven, Elliott launches this one over deep square leg, and two fielders collide, wiping each other out as one tries to take the catch! Sub fielder Farhaan Behardien was under the catch and about to take it but JP Duminy came flying into him!
Two runs taken - 12 needed from the last over. Effectively 11 for a tie. Dale Steyn to bowl!
"Just enough width from Morkel to swing freely with the arms. He has just got it up and over cover."
NZ 284-6
New Zealand desperately need a boundary. They get one as well as Elliott smashes through the covers off the back foot. That keeps things firmly in the balance.
NZ 280-6
Vettori takes guard to Morkel. He steps across and books down to fine leg where some superb fielding from Steyn restricts them to one. 18 needed from eight.
Elliott adds another single with an ugly pull shot that he doesn't connect with but steers the ball to leg. Tense does not even begin to cover this.
NZ 278-6
Elliott on strike. He lofts the ball over the on side, three fielders converge but none of them can get there in time and they run two. 20 needed from 10.
"It needed quick hands. The throw was almost a half-volley at the keeper's feet. It was a difficult take for De Kock."
Close!
NZ 273-6
Elliott steers Steyn for two, then takes another risky second into the gap near the square leg umpire, but the throw is a little wild and De Kock can't take it cleanly. 25 needed from 15 balls.
"It was a pick-up stroke from Ronchi from just offside off. There was only one man in the leg-side and he picked him out."
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WICKET
Ronchi c Rossouw b Steyn 8 (NZ 269-6)
Dale Steyn to bowl - and strikes as Ronchi holes out at deep square leg! Send for Vettori...
And while - correctly - the target is 298, we remind you that if New Zealand make 297, the match is tied but NZ go through as they finished higher in the group stage.
"It is very easy to lose one and then two when panic rises and you forget to think. It can still change very quickly, even this late in the game."
NZ 269-5 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Elliott whacks a single to mid-wicket where Amla does the fielding - but the bearded opener can't get to the next ball as Ronchi flicks it towards cow corner for four. However, some good fielding by Rossouw at long-on restricts them to a single off the last ball and means the Kiwis' requirement is 29 from 18 balls.
Tension? Gotta love it.
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Henry Ellison: I had a dream that New Zealand lost by five runs. Really hoping that I'm not right. Come on NZ!
NZ 263-5
Who to bowl? Four to go - Steyn has two, Philander, Morkel and Tahir have one apiece, while I doubt we'll see Duminy or De Villiers bowl again. It's leg-spinner Tahir who gets the nod. A Ronchi single is followed by two dot balls - 35 from 21.
NZ 262-5 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Two more singles mean it's 10 off the over. 36 from 24 balls needed, and a lot now rests on Elliott, who has 62 from 60 balls. Can Ronchi stay with him, or will it be the fairytale ending for old man Vettori to come in and hit the winning runs?
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Peter Archer: That bad run out miss by De Villiers will be the winning of the semi-final by New Zealand. Pivotal moment in this intriguing match.
Six
NZ 260-5
Half-tracker, and Elliott launches it over one of the bigger boundaries, into the crowd behind mid-wicket. 38 from 26.
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Emmanuel Kamara: A great game. New Zealand vs South Africa. Nerves will definitely go up for the last few overs but guess they can handle it.
Mark Kelly: That wicket helps but it changes nothing. SA still need to take another one otherwise 46 in 30 is do-able.
NZ 254-5
De Villiers to bowl the last "part-time" over, and Elliott adds a single to bring the new man Luke Ronchi on strike. Wicket-to-wicket from De Villiers, Ronchi steers him down the ground for a single to long-on. 44 from 27 balls.
Post update
Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"You couldn't make it up. 'Wicket this ball,' says Graeme Swann, just before Corey Anderson skies the ball into the Auckland night. 'There was just too much pressure created by that over'."
"A fantastic over from Morkel. A bit of pace, a bit of bounce. Anderson missed a hook the ball before, but all he got was underneath it and the ball went very high."
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Scorecard update - five overs to go
New Zealand 252-5 (38 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 54 from 57 balls (one six), Ronchi 0 from 0 balls
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30), 5-252 (Anderson 58)
And South Africa finally break the partnership - having dried up the runs with dot balls, Morkel fires in a bouncer which Anderson sends sailing into the stratosphere and there's snow on it by the time Faf du Plessis takes the catch. Or does he? There's a heart-rending couple of minutes while the umpires look at the replays - did the ball hit the wires of Spidercam? Apparently not - Anderson has to go.
The stadium DJ plays Michael Jackson's "Thriller". 46 from 30 balls? I'd call that a thriller. But it may be "close to midnight" by the time this game finishes...
"The highest successful run chase in any World Cup knockout game is the 289-4 Australia scored to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the quarter-final in Madras in 1996."
NZ 252-4
Tahir off, Morkel on as the skipper shuffles his front-line bowlers. With the game ebbing and flowing with nearly every delivery, the crowd is silenced after the Kiwis only manage a single off the first half of the over.
"It has been a very good partnership. New Zealand were in all kinds of trouble when Anderson came out to bat. They have worked it methodically to put themselves into this position. I'm enjoying this contest."
Appeal - not out
NZ 251-4
ABDV needs to find two more fifth-bowler overs from somewhere - so he comes back on himself. There's an appeal for leg before as Elliott tries to swing across the line - it looked quite high, and South Africa have no reviews left.
De Villiers fervently wipes the ball with a towel between deliveries as New Zealand keep plugging away with singles, but his last ball is too loose down the leg side and Anderson smashes it away for four through fine leg to bring up the century stand. 47 needed from 36 balls. Who's your money on?
"I'm very jittery in my seat. The best four teams are playing this week. And we have no idea who is going to win this match. It's still 50-50."
Elliott 50
NZ 243-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
And now it's Elliott's turn to reach his half-century from a slightly slower 53 balls, lofting a four over extra cover. New Zealand are rather getting after Tahir here, and there is a feeling that the pendulum has swung Kiwi-wards. They need 55 from 42 balls.
On Twitter: Nobody is leaving Eden Park. It is an absolute thriller.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Anderson 50
NZ 237-4
It looks like South Africa want the ball changed - a tactic TMS legend Henry Blofeld refers to as "ballsmanship". After a brief visit from the fourth umpire and his attache-case full of additional spheres, the Proteas are told to get on with it. Imran Tahir back into the attack, but Anderson is in the zone now, smacking Tahir for a four square of the wicket before bringing up his fourth ODI fifty from 47 balls.
"Imran Tahir could break the game. He is such a fierce competitor."
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NZ 231-4
Anderson swipes Morkel wide of long-off, De Villiers gives chase and dives head first but can only succeed in pushing the ball onto the rope. A single means it's 12 from the over and Anderson (45 from 45 balls) is back on strike for the next over.
Six
NZ 225-4
Big over needed, KP? Righty-ho - Elliott launches the first ball of Morkel's over for six over square leg. 73 from 53.
"We are in for a nail-biter here. New Zealand need a big over. With two set batters you can get seven, eight, nine, 10 an over."
NZ 219-4 (Steyn 7-0-59-0)
Steyn to continue for his seventh over - he's allowed a maximum of nine today. Both sides are showing signs of nerves, whether running between the wickets hesitantly or nearly giving away overthrows, with every single potentially crucial. Elliott drives, it's in the air - but just wide of Du Plessis at short extra cover and they come back safely for two. Another single down the ground means both batsmen have 40 - Elliott from 49 balls, Anderson from 41. New Zealand need 79 from 54 balls. You'd have to be brave to call it definitively from here.
Corey Anderson is the first New Zealander to score 200 runs and take 10 wickets in a World Cup.
The others to have done this are India's Kapil Dev (1983) and Yuvraj Singh (2011), South Africa's Lance Klusener (1999), Zimbabwe's Neil Johnson (1999), Canada's John Davison (2003) and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya (2003).
APCopyright: AP
NZ 213-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
A first-ball boundary takes some of the pressure off the batting side, and attaches it to the bowling unit. Anderson sees off the over before nicking the strike with a single.
One of these two sides will reach their first ever World Cup final today. But who will it be?
"We haven't had many, but this game could be an absolute stunner."
Powerplay
NZ 212-4
The batting powerplay is signalled - it's only four overs this one, because of the reduction in overs. Morne Morkel to bowl - and Anderson crashes the first ball through mid-off for four.
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Dominic Walker: This game is being set up perfectly for Vettori to hit the winning runs.
Mark Kelly: New Zealand very composed. They know they have the Powerplay and last few overs to smash the ball around.
Rakesh Pradhan: Eight an over in the modern ODI game is nothing. take note England.
"The powerplay is make-or-break for this game. Morne Morkel has to come to the party here."
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NZ 208-4 (Elliott 37*, Anderson 33*)
Steyn is bowling some serious heat here, but Elliott finds the gap with a back-cut which sails down towards third man, the lumbering Morne Morkel can't quite get to it and parries the ball onto the ropes for four.
"It was extremely tight. He has tried to knock the ball on to his stumps and hit it with his hand. It was amazing to see AB de Villiers, one of the world's best fielders, do that."
Not out
NZ 204-4
De Villiers tries to take the ball at the non-striker's end, with Elliott nowhere. But he drops the ball and knocks the bails off with his hand. Knowing that, as per the laws of cricket, he then has to pull up a stump, he overbalances and Anderson gets back.
APCopyright: AP
Third umpire
Hesitation between the wickets, Anderson is stranded down the pitch but have South Africa messed this up?
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Prayags: Going by Australia's and India's current form I believe that the winner of this semi-final will be the losing finalist.
"A couple of wickets changes this game and Dale Steyn is the match-maker."
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BBCCopyright: BBC
NZ 203-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Captain AB de Villiers to bowl - can his gentle medium pace be a partnership-breaker, or just smuggle through an over or two to help Duminy complete his allocation? Elliott clips a single off his legs to take his side's score to 200. With no pace on the ball, New Zealand have to do the hard yards to work it around - four from the over pushes the required rate up to the verge of eight.
And would you believe, on Duckworth-Lewis... the scores right now are nearly exactly level. While we don't anticipate more rain, it's a good guide as to who's on top.
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Kuni Poonasamy: I don't understand South Africa bowling so short. I know the boundary is short straight but let the batsman take you on.
"If they keep going at a run a ball for the next three overs, they will need 80 runs off their last 10 overs. South Africa need a wicket soon. New Zealand are in a good position to launch."
Scorecard update
New Zealand 199-4 (30 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 32 from 37 balls, Anderson 30 from 27 balls (two sixes)
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30)
And after that release of pressure, South Africa turn back to their pace spearhead Dale Steyn (and his mad, staring eyes). Elliott, who's getting a litlte bottled up at times, brings up the fifty partnership with a well-run three to deep extra cover. 99 more needed from 78 balls - 13 overs left, and Steyn can only bowl four.
"Ideally, South Africa want Anderson out. They don't want to have to bowl at him during the powerplay overs."
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"How are your nerves? Eden Park is alive once more, awoken by the spirit of Corey Anderson. For the first time in a little while, you feel the momentum is with New Zealand. The Auckland crowd knows it too."
NZ 196-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
For the first time in this innings, we have spin at both ends as off-spinner JP Duminy returns. A lot of beards on show in this game... While Duminy boosts the score with a wide, his fifth over only yields four singles and a two until a knee-high full toss - shades of Steve Smith's bowling - is hammered for an 82m six over the bowler's head by Anderson. A much better over for the co-hosts.
"Only a couple of batsmen have been able to pick Imran Tahir in this World Cup. He is bowling with so much variety."
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NZ 183-4 (Tahir 7-1-21-0)
Tahir bounces in, Corey Anderson - briefly the holder of the fastest ODI century title - doesn't look like he's dealing too well with the leg-spinner, only four singles are possible from the over - leaving the co-hosts needing 116 from 15 overs (90 balls).
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Jay: I'm amazed that people are writing off New Zealand. If they don't lose a wicket for four overs, I can see the South Africans panicking.
NZ 179-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
The 12th men and the giants drinks bottle flee Eden Park, where South Africa have had a "huddle" and an intense pep-talk from captain AB de Villiers. Philander to bowl his eighth over - under the reduced-overs formula, no-one can bowl more than nine. Grant Elliott - born in South Africa, lest we forget - is getting a little bogged down at times, but waits to thread a four through the covers. A single off the last ball takes him to 25 from 28 balls... but with a required rate of nearly 7.5, he will have to get a shift on at some point.
"It is still in the balance this game, but I think the pendulum is now swinging towards South Africa."
Drinks break
NZ 174-4
With the pacemen rotated at one end (Philander now with 0-47 from seven), the two spinners have been operating from the other end. Imran Tahir is back on in place of Duminy, he's quickly through his over and puts the brakes on with just a single from it. The players have earned some drinks - New Zealand need 124 from 17 overs.
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Mark Pownall: Can't see New Zealand coming back from this now
#RugbyLI: Huge wicket for the Proteas, Taylor gone. Gonna be tough for NZ now from here I reckon.
NZ 173-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Anderson, who you can imagine as a burly woodcutter wielding a giant axe, again finds Philander difficult to get away for the first four balls - but then heaves a two towards cow corner, and then one swing of his mighty forearms later, a shorter delivery is hoisted into the crowd behind mid-wicket for six.
We'd normally be at the halfway mark of the innings here - but if you weren't with us for the long rain delay earlier, this is now a 43-over game with Duckworth and Lewis having set New Zealand 298 to win.
"If New Zealand keep their wickets they will win this game."
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Richie O'HaraBeamand: With that wicket South Africa become favourites and we can drop the question of 'can they perform under pressure', battled back into this.
NZ 165-4 (Elliott 19*, Anderson 10*)
Elliott adds a single to bring the left-handed Anderson on strike against Duminy's off-spin. South Africa crowd him with a leg slip and a silly point, but Anderson fluently sweeps for four. A single takes him into double figures. The right-handed Elliott also powerfully sweeps for four, bisecting short fine leg and the man on the square leg boundary. 10 from the over.
"The run-rate is now over seven, for the first time since New Zealand took guard and McCullum did his pyrotechnic thing. New Zealand are starting to feel the weight on their shoulders a bit.
"Anderson is normally a hitter. Is this situation going to prune that instinct? Pressure does funny things to you. South Africa sense that this game has changed."
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NZ 155-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Philander finds a bit of movement to discomfort Anderson, but after four dot balls, the beefy left-hander drills a fuller delivery for four back past the non-striker. That's the only scoring stroke from the over.
The Black Caps need 143 from 120 balls, and the required rate is up to over seven. And good news for South Africa - Dale Steyn is back on the field.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"Is that the ball game? Where once Eden Park was raucous, its hope is now slipping away. The noise is dimmed, there are plenty of orange shirts on seats, looking glum. South Africa are crushing the New Zealand dream."
You can put your questions to Test Match Special pundit Graeme Swann now. Post them on Twitter to #askswanny. We will video his answers and put them online later.
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Thanks, Phil. New Zealand reached the halfway point of their run chase almost exactly halfway through their allocation of overs - but then lost their fourth wicket. South Africa continue to rotate their pace trio at one end - Vernon Philander to bowl.
Scorecard update
New Zealand 151-4 (22 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 14, Anderson 1
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30)
Corey Anderson, your time has come. Your team needs you. Duminy eases him to the crease with a wide down leg before the batsman gets off the mark with a back-foot drive into the off side. I'm taking my jumper and handing you over to Mark Mitchener, who will see this game through to its no-doubt dramatic conclusion.
"It turned just enough, and he followed it with half a bat. He tried to get it fine, but it was too fine and the wicketkeeper was involved.
"It is a very big wicket for the South Africans. New Zealand are now into the hitting components of their line-up and South Africa will feel they have pulled the game back."
APCopyright: AP
WICKET
Taylor c De Kock b Duminy 30 (NZ 149-4)
This changes things again. Duminy's delivery is spinning down leg but Taylor, in an attempt to flick it into the mid-wicket region, catches an edge that De Kock takes. The batsman doesn't even wait for the umpire's finger - he just walks off.
"This is a pitch where once you get in and feel comfortable, the shots and runs come. We saw that with Du Plessis, De Villiers and Rossouw in the South Africa innings."
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OptaJason: Brendon McCullum today became the second player after Nathan Astle to score 3,000 ODI runs in New Zealand.
NZ 148-3 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Morkel takes over from Steyn (who is still off the pitch) and lets the side down by veering just slightly down leg to allow Elliott to flick the ball down to the fine leg boundary for four. The bowler corrects his line, though, and responds well, beating Elliott with a rising ball from just short of a length. 150 runs needed at 6.81 per over. They are one run ahead of Duckworth Lewis.
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Joshua Edwards: Guptill showing he's nothing but average against non-second rate bowling and fielding.
Sportsgamer: Taylor owes Guptill a few drinks after that run-out.
NZ 143-3
The concession is that four is Steyn's last act in the match (for a bit at least) as he leaves the pitch, presumably because of some unknown injury. He was moving OK so SA will be hoping it is nothing serious. Tahir continues and goes for just three runs as he looks to apply more pressure on the Kiwis. The spinner is bowling flat and proving a challenge.
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Ferdi Tjombe: The Duckworth-Lewis formula is outdated. Batsmen have evolved tremendously in the last few years.
"McCullum got them so far ahead of the run-rate and that has helped the other batsman use up that credit. But now that credit has run out and they have work to do themselves."
NZ 140-3 (Target 298 from 43 overs)
South Africa smell blood. They know another wicket will give them a real foothold. Steyn is back and with the bit between his teeth. Knowing he has some amends to make, Taylor is the epitome of focus as he gets everything behind a couple of deliveries before whipping one to leg for two runs and then driving through wide mid-on for four.
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Ben Wear: NZ are choking!
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"Guptill didn't stop, he ran all the way off the field and down the tunnel without taking his helmet off. For the first time, New Zealand are behind on Duckworth-Lewis."
NZ 133-3
Grant Elliott is the new man. He has a big job to do here. He starts well with a paddle sweep to claim a boundary first ball off Tahir before taking a single to keep strike.
"The hesitation has cost Martin Guptill. He is the man in form and his run-out was so unnecessary. Ross Taylor looks distraught, but he needs to get over it quickly as there's still a lot of work to do. As soon as you have hesitation at this level it will cost you. They didn't need to do that."
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WICKET
Guptill run out 34 (NZ 128-3)
Oh, Martin what have you done? Taylor prods one into the off side and sets off for a run before stopping and starting again. Guptill responds to Taylor and hesitates and he has no chance of making it ahead of the throw to the keeper. Load gun, point at foot, shoot.
They might be in consolidation mode, but New Zealand are still going to look to pit away bad balls when they come. Guptill punches an on-drive from Philander down the ground for a boundary before Taylor gets a four of his own with a whip to leg that a sliding fielder pushes over the rope. Four additional singles make it a very good over for the Black Caps.
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West Indies opener Chris Gayle: Flying home to my beautiful girl 'Jamaica' she's the best ever!!!!
Chris GayleCopyright: Chris Gayle
NZ 116-2 (target 298 from 43 overs)
It is all about wickets now. SA really want them and NZ are desperate to make sure they don't get them. It is resulting in a tense period of consolidation for the chasing side, who work Tahir around for three singles.
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Sam Wilson: That was a ridiculous knock from Brendon McCullum. I bet it made Steven Finn feel better about himself though.
NZ 113-2 (Guptill 26, Taylor 16)
Philander's first ball is a beauty, which pitches just outside leg before seaming away from Guptill and turns him inside out. Guptill makes contact with the following ball to push it into cover for a single but Taylor is tied at the striker's end for the remainder as New Zealand stay just narrowly ahead of the Duckworth Lewis par score.
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Fenners: Surely Duckworth-Lewis needs amending, as it's based on old stats, game is totally different now. NZ should have to chase more.
NZ 112-2
Tahir gets another turn in the South Africa attack after his one-over spell earlier in the innings, during McCullum's blitz. Some good running from New Zealand brings Taylor two from a little push to leg. He gets another run with a second prod to leg before Guptill sweeps his way to a run of his own. It is steady, sensible stuff from the Kiwis.
"When the interruption occurs during the first innings, so that the match is shortened to one of fewer overs per side than it was at its start, Team 1 are usually more disadvantaged than Team 2. Before the stoppage they had been pacing their innings in the expectation of receiving say 50 overs... Team 2, on the other hand, know from the start of their innings that they have the reduced number of overs and can pace their innings accordingly. Team 2 are set a higher target to compensate Team 1 for this disadvantage."
NZ 107-2 (Guptill 23, Taylor 13)
AB de Villiers hosted a very calm team-talk during that drinks break, in which Steyn also had a prominent say. Can they put whatever they discussed into practice and swing this match in their favour? Philander's over is a good one as he concedes just the three runs.
"Guptill will know he only averages 11 against South Africa, but coming into this game he has just scored a hundred and then a 200 and that's a good place to be."
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NZ 104-2 (Run-rate 8.66, required 6.25)
That Guptill six is the highlight of the over - and a shot that pretty much gets New Zealand all the runs they need from the over to match the required run-rate. Four other singles are just a bonus to the co-hosts. And that is drinks - and a much-needed regroup for SA.
Six
NZ 101-2
The New Zealand 100 is up courtesy of a huge Guptill six that he clatters high over mid-wicket off Duminy.
"The World Cup deserves a close match. We have got a full house. The run rate is 6.40 and with the dimensions of this ground that is not too hard to get. The easiest thing to do when chasing is to look at Duckworth-Lewis and keep up with that to take off the pressure."
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NZ 94-2
Ross taylor has started well. He slap cuts a short Morkel ball for four through cover before controlling a steer past slip and down to third man before Guptill is tested by a rising ball that beats his outside edge. New Zealand are now looking to play balls on merit after McCullum's dismissive, smash everything approach.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"It is almost as if we're playing a different sport since McCullum fell. Was it a needless stroke? It's hard to say when he was flaying the bowling in such a destructive manner. Now with Williamson gone too, South Africa are on top and the crowd deflated."
Scorecard update
New Zealand 88-2 (10 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Guptill 12*, Taylor 5*
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6)
This is interesting. JP Duminy is into the South Africa attack. He concedes three singles from his first three balls before Taylor sweeps a wayward ball down to the fine leg boundary for four.
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James Cooper: Swanny thinking 298 is 'easily gettable' at this ground - did he not see the NZ run chase v Australia or the SA run chase v Pakistan?
Live Reporting
By Mark Mitchener and Phil Dawkes
All times stated are UK
Get involved
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And that is where we're going to leave it. Fourteen teams have been reduced to three, and after six failed attempts, co-hosts New Zealand have finally reached their first World Cup final. You can already read Stephan Shemilt's match report on the BBC Sport website.,
It ends there for South Africa - but not for the tournament. It's over to Sydney on Thursday where Australia and India meet for the right to play NZ in the final. Play gets under way at 03:30 GMT - so set your alarm clock and make sure you join us on the live text from 03:00.
That's it from us. New Zealand have their dream final, and South Africa, I think, can hold their heads high after a superb game. Goodbye for now.
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New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor: What a game. What's the first thing you do when u win a semi? Everyone cleans their boots for Oz customs.
New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi: Amazing. What a game of cricket. So happy.
Review of the day - part two
Captain Brendon McCullum, as he does so often, gave New Zealand impetus with a characteristically pugnacious 59 from 26 balls. Their hopes eventually rested with a century stand from Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson.
While Anderson holed out for 58, Elliott - who was born in Johannesburg and learned his cricket in South Africa before moving to New Zealand - saw the Black Caps home with an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls.
In a thrilling finish, Elliott launched Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, for six into the stand from the penultimate ball of the match to book their place in Sunday's final, leaving a couple of South Africa players in tears.
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BBC Radio 5 live
Former All Blacks hooker and captain Sean Fitzpatrick on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was fantastic. The whole of New Zealand has got behind the cricket team and I think as AB de Villiers said post match, it was the most electric atmosphere.
"The whole World Cup has been fantastic. Brendon McCullum has turned this team around from four years ago. They have come out and played a brand of cricket that is being enjoyed all over the world.
"They have stayed under then radar a bit, had a good build-up but have come in and delivered. Players like McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor are just phenomenal. They are amazing to watch."
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Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis: What a great game of cricket. SA did not lose that game. NZ won it. Well played NZ. And to the Proteas you can be proud of your campaign.
Review of the day - part one
It all began just under 10 hours ago when South Africa walked out to bat after winning the toss. Trent Boult struck twice early on, but Faf du Plessis (82), Rilee Rossouw (39) and AB de Villiers (65 not out) took the Proteas to 216-3 from 38 overs when the rain came - which reduced the game to 43 overs per side.
David Miller then took the initiative with 49 from 18 balls to help SA post 281-5 - with New Zealand being set an adjusted target of 298 from 43 overs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.
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Middlesex women's captain and former Netherlands international Izzy Westbury: Watching AB and McCullum post-match interviews makes you realise how ruddy inarticulate most footba- ahem, other sportsmen are.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman
On Twitter: "South Africa DID NOT CHOKE. They got beaten by a better team today. AB led the team wonderfully well. But, well done NZ. See you in Sydney."
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Khalil Ismail: AB de Villiers: "We play to make a difference in our country back home." South Africans should be proud, words of a true leader.
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Former Australia spinner Shane Warne: What a game of cricket in New Zealand. Please hold your heads high South Africa, you've done everyone proud as you gave it absolutely everything. Congratulations to the NZ team who were outstanding in their run chase. NZ held their nerve and are through to their first World Cup final.
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Earlier today, prompted by the TMS panel discussion during the rain break, we were asking you what rule changes you would like to see made to one-day international cricket.
On reflection, the rules of a game which produces a finish like we've just had... can't be THAT badly wrong, surely?
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Nkain84: What a game of cricket, can only dream of England playing like that!
Andy Donley: 50 over cricket is so much better than Twenty20 for me. Tension like that wouldn't be created in a 40-over game.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Mark Pettman, trying to concentrate in the City: What a game. But three missed run-outs and a dropped catch will haunt South Africa for years.
Wayne, UAE: South Africa choosing to bat first knowing there were high probability risks of poor weather impacting the first innings resulting in reduced overs was a stupid decision.
Player reaction
More from NZ all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "Everyone in the team knows they have got a job to do. Although we've got through, we still have not achieved what we want to and that's win the World Cup.
"We've been trying to play with smiles on our faces and please the people of New Zealand. They have fallen in love with the team and hopefully we can go out on Sunday and put in a good performance.
"It's going to be the first time for a lot of us to play at the MCG, it's going to be the biggest event that we've ever played in. The crowd will not be like it's been here if Australia go through. Their crowd will be on us, but that's something we're looking forward to."
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iKopite: Hard not to tear up (in the office. at work) seeing the reactions from Morkel, ABD & Steyn. Gave it their all.
Peter: Looks like Duminy knows Behardien's catching ability. The ball shot through his hands before JP arrived.
Player reaction
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "It's a dream come true. There have been a lot of teams trying very hard for New Zealand to try to get to the final and we're lucky enough to be the team to do it.
"Brendon (McCullum) is massive for us. He teed off and put us ahead of that run rate, and they struggled to come back after that. That's what he has been doing all tournament and he's very good at it. Even though he got 50, it would be nice for him if he gets a big score on Sunday. We could have lost a few wickets and fallen in a heap but to get 298 off 43 overs is a massive chase."
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Rob Weaver: Great game, rain spoilt the game... Dropped catches... run out missed... SA did not choke just bad luck, well played SA!
Alan Compton: Not to be 'that guy' but who is England's McCullum? England's ABDV? Cook? Morgan? Big problem.
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Elsewhere in the world of cricket, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra have switched over to Abu Dhabi where it's day three of the Champion County match between MCC and Yorkshire.
Listen to BBC Radio Leeds' commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Captain's view
More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "All credit to South Africa, the way they have played has been a great advert for cricket and their country. They gave us one hell of a run.
"It's the greatest time of our lives as players. It's an incredible ride, the crowd has supported this team and the brand of cricket we have played. Hopefully they're dreaming like we are. It would be nice to win it. Both teams in the other semi-final are quality teams and we know if we play the way we can we have a chance."
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Even De Villiers took the mantle to bowl, and you could arguably say he was one of South Africa's best bowlers. To go for 21 off three overs, at a time when New Zealand needed boundaries - he gave it absolutely everything in this game."
Captain's view
More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "It was a great advert for cricket. Everyone that was here will remember it for the rest of their lives. We have given ourselves a chance of World Cup glory and I'm proud of our efforts.
"We knew we just had to hang in there and give ourselves a chance. At the end what a great innings from Grant Elliott. He came out of the wilderness not long ago and now just played a match-winning innings in a World Cup semi-final."
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New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor: Woohoo. Who's coming to Melbourne????
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"To be fair to South Africa, someone up there doesn't want them in a final, but their time will come - they're oozing with talent. Before that rain break, they were going to post 360-370 and that would have been too much for New Zealand. You can't talk about choking."
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Daily Mirror cricket correspondent Dean Wilson: AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum two magnificent leaders around which their teams and countries can rally. Different class.
Man of the match
More from New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott who scored 84 not out and hit the winning six: "Hopefully, all our supporters got what they wanted. We've had two close, amazing games here now.
"We will probably have a few drinks in the changing rooms. I don't like to get too high or low - I prefer to reflect later - but it is a great moment to share with family and the team. The win is for the supporters.
"I think we left it a little too late. I can say that now even though we won it. South Africa have a world-class unit and they bowled well. We got a bit of luck but it was our day.
"The feeling in the team is that it is destined. That is how I felt. It feels like it was meant to be. The best team on the day will win the final. We have nothing to lose. Someone has to step up."
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I honestly thought South Africa had done enough with three or four overs to go, but Grant Elliott stayed so calm out there. You have to feel sorry for Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, great professionals who gave it everything out there, but hats off to New Zealand."
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Kristin Carmichael: Notice there was no sledging, aggro or nastiness? They just got on with it, played cricket & gave us a game to be remembered!
A very good point, Kristin. It can be done.
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South Africa have entertained - but fallen short. Thoughts now turn to those who might not be around at the next tournament in four years' time. Dale Steyn, for instance, will turn 36 in the summer of 2019, will he manage to get his battered body through another four years of international cricket between now and then? Hashim Amla will be 36. De Villiers 35, Morne Morkel 34. And Imran Tahir, who will be 36 on Friday, will be 40 by the time the next World Cup comes around.
Captain's view
More from South Africa captain AB de Villiers: "It was an amazing game. I couldn't ask for anything more. We're hurting over this. We play for the people back home, hopefully the passion we showed made a difference and that people can still be proud of us, even though we have lost tonight.
"There have been some wonderful performances. We had a wonderful thing going. We are a unit, but the unit came unstuck today. There have been very good individual performances throughout the tournament. To the teams in the final, all the best for whoever wins."
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Australia head coach Darren Lehmann: Congrats @NZcricket1 and congrats @BrendanMcCullum and team, loved the ANZAC spirit, well done to Grant Elliott!
Ex-New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming: What an unbelievable game. So proud of the @BLACKCAPS and what they have achieved. Also feel the raw pain of @OfficialCSA on an amazing day.
Captain's view
South Africa captain AB de Villiers on TMS: "It is really painful. We have no regrets. We left it all out on the field. We had opportunities and it will take us a long time to get over this. All the best to New Zealand today. They played a great game. I was happy with the total, we had chances in the field and didn't take them and came undone against a team who played better cricket.
"It was an electric vibe tonight and probably the best crowd I've ever played in front of. We go away with sore hearts."
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Ashley Graham: Sport is a difficult mistress at times like this but what a finale. Both teams deserve to be in the final really.
Ilyas Najib: 1992, 2003, and now 2015, South Africa, rain and World Cups just don't mix.
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Spare a thought for captain AB de Villiers, being lined up for yet another post-match interview when he must feel like hell, or JP Duminy, who may well replay that crucial dropped catch - when he cannoned into Farhaan Behardien who seemed to have it covered - thousands of times before he goes to sleep tonight. If he can sleep.
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Here's some reaction from other players who've played at this World Cup:
Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene: What a semi final! I feel for the SA boys. Well done to NZ.
Australia batsman Steve Smith: Amazing game of cricket!!! Well done New Zealand.
England seamer Chris Woakes: Proper game of cricket!! So good to see one of the good guys @grantelliottnz see NZ home. Well done New Zealand!
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New Zealand now doing a lap of honour around Eden Park. After eight game on home soil, they must now cross the Tasman Sea - aka "The Ditch" - to the cavernous MCG, where they will play Australia or India on Sunday.
Captain's view
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum on TMS: "These boys, I am so proud of them. A lesser team would have laid down today. To see Grant come in and be as calm as he was... we've given ourselves a chance of the big prize. Credit to South Africa, they gave as good as they got. I feel for them at the moment. But out boys were outstanding. And it was a great semi-final.
"It was important we created a run-rate early on. But it all pales in comparison to that innings from Grant. We've got one shot at glory now and we look forward to Melbourne."
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Alan Simon: Great win by NZ but South Africa would've been out of sight had it not been for the rain break. Big slice of luck for the Kiwis.
Ashley Wells: If that were England, we'd have lost by 150 runs and then claimed we were making progress.
Man of the match
New Zealand's Grant Elliott: "It is great. I don't think this win is for myself, or the team, it is for everyone here. The support has been amazing.
"We just wanted to take it as deep as we could. Corey (Anderson) batted well and we timed the innings to perfection. When you have 40,000 fans screaming at you every ball, it has been an absolute pleasure playing at Eden Park and playing in front of the home crowd.
"We have had a good run, this is the first final we have been in and we will approach it as any other match."
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Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"This is the first time New Zealand have won 10 consecutive ODIs."
Man of the match
New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott, who made an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls and hit the winning runs, is handed the man-of-the-match award by the unmistakeable figure of Windies legend Clive Lloyd. We'll hear from him shortly.
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New Zealand batsman Corey Anderson on TMS: "It feels unbelievable. The best feeling I've ever had. We haven't achieved what we want yet. We want to win the whole thing.
"That was a big score to chase in 43 overs, but to do it with one ball to spare... Everyone chipped in when they needed top. Brendon put us on the front foot and that made it easier for the guys coming in.
"To stay calm like that and hit a six off the best bowler of the world. Its unbelievable."
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So, after four wins and two defeats in the group stage, and a cruise past Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals, it's all over for South Africa again.
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Proteas reserve Wayne Parnell tries to console the tearful Morkel, while even AB de Villiers - a Superman of the modern game - seems to be welling up too. Maybe he's human after all.
Coney's right - cricket can be a cruel game. For on an occasion like this, there has to be a winner and a loser.
New Zealand are finally into a World Cup final at the seventh time of asking (in terms of semi-final appearances), and South Africa have a fourth unsuccessful appearance in the last four.
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BLACKCAPS: Six! We're in the final! Fair play to @OfficialCSA, that was a hell of a match
Cricket South Africa: 6 and New Zealand win by 4 wickets. It's all over for the Proteas. Hard luck boys. We always stand behind the #ProteaFire
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Marvellous scenes. You should see 40,000 people starting the party. I'm so sorry for South Africa.
"Sport becomes cruel in these circumstances. Don't talk to me about choking. They have given everything they could and they tried hard. The rain cruelly prevented South Africa going any further in their innings.
"What a fantastic game of cricket. It has captivated people, not just in the stadium, but around the world. It is a very good example of cricket."
Final scorecard
New Zealand 299-6 (42.5 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 84, Vettori 7
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30), 5-252 (Anderson 58), 269-6 (Ronchi 8)
Bowling figures: Steyn 9-0-76-1, Philander 8-0-52-0, Morkel 9-0-59-3, Tahir 9-1-40-0, Duminy 5-0-43-1, De Villiers 3-0-21-0
South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72
South Africa won toss
Scorecard
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The fireworks are set off around Eden Park, amid scenes of jubilation rarely seen there except at a packed rugby international. An astonishing game of cricket, players console each other, and Morne Morkel has even started shedding a few tears.
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Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"He's put Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, into the stand, and South Africa have been denied again."
Champagne moment
New Zealand win by four wickets!
Unbelievable! Steyn delivers and Elliott launches the ball high into the stands. Eden Park erupts. Elliott, the South African-born player has sent New Zealand through to their first World Cup final at the expense of his home country. What a game of cricket!
NZ 293-6
Six to win outright. Five to go through with a tie. Swing, miss, they run a bye, keeper's throw misses the stumps, then Steyn's throw misses the other stumps. Five to win the match, but four to go through.
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Maddy Raman: Duminy what are you doing? Never your catch. Sheer panic descending into both teams.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It ran quickly to wide third man. You just run whatever now."
NZ 292-6
Vettori has been a hero for NZ so often through the years. Can he be again here? Steyn bowls a wide full toss and Vettori stabs at it and sends the ball spinning down to the boundary where it beats a diving fielder. And just like that, the game is the co-hosts to win again.
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Physio on. If Steyn can't finish the over... Morkel and Tahir have bowled their allocation. Three bowlers can bowl nine and two can bowl no more than eight. Philander has bowled eight. So if Steyn can't bowl, it would have to be Duminy or De Villiers.
But it looks like the old warhorse is up on his feet. 10 from four balls needed.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It looks like cramp. Dale Steyn was off the field earlier as well. So far, it is advantage South Africa. Vettori is on strike and he can't afford to miss the ball. New Zealand need a four."
Ouch!
And now Steyn looks like he has cramp... it's all happening!
NZ 288-6
Elliott facing. Field shuffled - mid-off and mid-on up. A low full toss is punched to extra cover, they can only run one. 10 from four balls.
NZ 287-6
The last over. It is Steyn to deliver it. Six balls to decide this gripping semi-final. Vettori swings and misses from the first ball but they run and claim a bye. 11 needed off 5.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"Excellent from Neil Manthorp. 'Berhardien and Duminy have played with each other from under-11 level. They grew up in the same part of Cape Town. When the needed to communicate, they couldn't.'"
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't know whether it was the screaming crowd. Duminy must have known Behardien was there. It was a mistake, a chance lost, but South Africa are still in the game."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
Dropped catch
NZ 286-6
The Eden Park crowd are on their feet. 14 needed from seven, Elliott launches this one over deep square leg, and two fielders collide, wiping each other out as one tries to take the catch! Sub fielder Farhaan Behardien was under the catch and about to take it but JP Duminy came flying into him!
Two runs taken - 12 needed from the last over. Effectively 11 for a tie. Dale Steyn to bowl!
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Just enough width from Morkel to swing freely with the arms. He has just got it up and over cover."
NZ 284-6
New Zealand desperately need a boundary. They get one as well as Elliott smashes through the covers off the back foot. That keeps things firmly in the balance.
NZ 280-6
Vettori takes guard to Morkel. He steps across and books down to fine leg where some superb fielding from Steyn restricts them to one. 18 needed from eight.
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan: Loving this game. Great game. Whoever wins deserves it. Not having either team being called chokers if they lose.
NZ 279-6
Elliott adds another single with an ugly pull shot that he doesn't connect with but steers the ball to leg. Tense does not even begin to cover this.
NZ 278-6
Elliott on strike. He lofts the ball over the on side, three fielders converge but none of them can get there in time and they run two. 20 needed from 10.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Boundaries have to come. You can't leave it to the last over. Pressure is on everybody."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
NZ 276-6
Morkel goes around the wicket and Vettori clubs a full toss towards mid-wicket, where it is fielded. A single. 22 required off 11.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Vettori would have gone if that had hit."
NZ 275-6
Last ball of the over. Elliott hits it straight to ABDV at mid-wicket and Vettori is nearly run out backing up. Dot ball. 23 from 12 needed.
Or 22 to tie and go through - and send South Africa out in agonising 1999-style fashion.
NZ 275-6
Vettori chops a single to backward point, some great fielding by Rossouw prevents any further runs. 23 from 13.
NZ 274-6
A single brings Vettori on strike. 36 years young, can he see the Kiwis through? 24 from 14 needed.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It needed quick hands. The throw was almost a half-volley at the keeper's feet. It was a difficult take for De Kock."
Close!
NZ 273-6
Elliott steers Steyn for two, then takes another risky second into the gap near the square leg umpire, but the throw is a little wild and De Kock can't take it cleanly. 25 needed from 15 balls.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It was a pick-up stroke from Ronchi from just offside off. There was only one man in the leg-side and he picked him out."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
WICKET
Ronchi c Rossouw b Steyn 8 (NZ 269-6)
Dale Steyn to bowl - and strikes as Ronchi holes out at deep square leg! Send for Vettori...
And while - correctly - the target is 298, we remind you that if New Zealand make 297, the match is tied but NZ go through as they finished higher in the group stage.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It is very easy to lose one and then two when panic rises and you forget to think. It can still change very quickly, even this late in the game."
NZ 269-5 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Elliott whacks a single to mid-wicket where Amla does the fielding - but the bearded opener can't get to the next ball as Ronchi flicks it towards cow corner for four. However, some good fielding by Rossouw at long-on restricts them to a single off the last ball and means the Kiwis' requirement is 29 from 18 balls.
Tension? Gotta love it.
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Henry Ellison: I had a dream that New Zealand lost by five runs. Really hoping that I'm not right. Come on NZ!
NZ 263-5
Who to bowl? Four to go - Steyn has two, Philander, Morkel and Tahir have one apiece, while I doubt we'll see Duminy or De Villiers bowl again. It's leg-spinner Tahir who gets the nod. A Ronchi single is followed by two dot balls - 35 from 21.
NZ 262-5 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Two more singles mean it's 10 off the over. 36 from 24 balls needed, and a lot now rests on Elliott, who has 62 from 60 balls. Can Ronchi stay with him, or will it be the fairytale ending for old man Vettori to come in and hit the winning runs?
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Peter Archer: That bad run out miss by De Villiers will be the winning of the semi-final by New Zealand. Pivotal moment in this intriguing match.
Six
NZ 260-5
Half-tracker, and Elliott launches it over one of the bigger boundaries, into the crowd behind mid-wicket. 38 from 26.
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Emmanuel Kamara: A great game. New Zealand vs South Africa. Nerves will definitely go up for the last few overs but guess they can handle it.
Mark Kelly: That wicket helps but it changes nothing. SA still need to take another one otherwise 46 in 30 is do-able.
NZ 254-5
De Villiers to bowl the last "part-time" over, and Elliott adds a single to bring the new man Luke Ronchi on strike. Wicket-to-wicket from De Villiers, Ronchi steers him down the ground for a single to long-on. 44 from 27 balls.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"You couldn't make it up. 'Wicket this ball,' says Graeme Swann, just before Corey Anderson skies the ball into the Auckland night. 'There was just too much pressure created by that over'."
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"A fantastic over from Morkel. A bit of pace, a bit of bounce. Anderson missed a hook the ball before, but all he got was underneath it and the ball went very high."
Scorecard update - five overs to go
New Zealand 252-5 (38 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 54 from 57 balls (one six), Ronchi 0 from 0 balls
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30), 5-252 (Anderson 58)
Bowling figures: Steyn 7-0-59-0, Philander 8-0-52-0, Morkel 8-0-48-3, Tahir 8-1-33-0, Duminy 5-0-43-1, De Villiers 2-0-11-0
South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.
South Africa won toss
Scorecard
WICKET
Anderson c Du Plessis b Morkel 58 (NZ 252-4)
And South Africa finally break the partnership - having dried up the runs with dot balls, Morkel fires in a bouncer which Anderson sends sailing into the stratosphere and there's snow on it by the time Faf du Plessis takes the catch. Or does he? There's a heart-rending couple of minutes while the umpires look at the replays - did the ball hit the wires of Spidercam? Apparently not - Anderson has to go.
The stadium DJ plays Michael Jackson's "Thriller". 46 from 30 balls? I'd call that a thriller. But it may be "close to midnight" by the time this game finishes...
How's stat?
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"The highest successful run chase in any World Cup knockout game is the 289-4 Australia scored to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the quarter-final in Madras in 1996."
NZ 252-4
Tahir off, Morkel on as the skipper shuffles his front-line bowlers. With the game ebbing and flowing with nearly every delivery, the crowd is silenced after the Kiwis only manage a single off the first half of the over.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It has been a very good partnership. New Zealand were in all kinds of trouble when Anderson came out to bat. They have worked it methodically to put themselves into this position. I'm enjoying this contest."
Appeal - not out
NZ 251-4
ABDV needs to find two more fifth-bowler overs from somewhere - so he comes back on himself. There's an appeal for leg before as Elliott tries to swing across the line - it looked quite high, and South Africa have no reviews left.
De Villiers fervently wipes the ball with a towel between deliveries as New Zealand keep plugging away with singles, but his last ball is too loose down the leg side and Anderson smashes it away for four through fine leg to bring up the century stand. 47 needed from 36 balls. Who's your money on?
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"You favour New Zealand slightly just because of the number of wickets they have left."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I'm very jittery in my seat. The best four teams are playing this week. And we have no idea who is going to win this match. It's still 50-50."
Elliott 50
NZ 243-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
And now it's Elliott's turn to reach his half-century from a slightly slower 53 balls, lofting a four over extra cover. New Zealand are rather getting after Tahir here, and there is a feeling that the pendulum has swung Kiwi-wards. They need 55 from 42 balls.
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BBC Radio Test Match Special
On Twitter: Nobody is leaving Eden Park. It is an absolute thriller.
Anderson 50
NZ 237-4
It looks like South Africa want the ball changed - a tactic TMS legend Henry Blofeld refers to as "ballsmanship". After a brief visit from the fourth umpire and his attache-case full of additional spheres, the Proteas are told to get on with it. Imran Tahir back into the attack, but Anderson is in the zone now, smacking Tahir for a four square of the wicket before bringing up his fourth ODI fifty from 47 balls.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Imran Tahir could break the game. He is such a fierce competitor."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
NZ 231-4
Anderson swipes Morkel wide of long-off, De Villiers gives chase and dives head first but can only succeed in pushing the ball onto the rope. A single means it's 12 from the over and Anderson (45 from 45 balls) is back on strike for the next over.
Six
NZ 225-4
Big over needed, KP? Righty-ho - Elliott launches the first ball of Morkel's over for six over square leg. 73 from 53.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"We are in for a nail-biter here. New Zealand need a big over. With two set batters you can get seven, eight, nine, 10 an over."
NZ 219-4 (Steyn 7-0-59-0)
Steyn to continue for his seventh over - he's allowed a maximum of nine today. Both sides are showing signs of nerves, whether running between the wickets hesitantly or nearly giving away overthrows, with every single potentially crucial. Elliott drives, it's in the air - but just wide of Du Plessis at short extra cover and they come back safely for two. Another single down the ground means both batsmen have 40 - Elliott from 49 balls, Anderson from 41. New Zealand need 79 from 54 balls. You'd have to be brave to call it definitively from here.
How's stat?
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
Corey Anderson is the first New Zealander to score 200 runs and take 10 wickets in a World Cup.
The others to have done this are India's Kapil Dev (1983) and Yuvraj Singh (2011), South Africa's Lance Klusener (1999), Zimbabwe's Neil Johnson (1999), Canada's John Davison (2003) and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya (2003).
NZ 213-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
A first-ball boundary takes some of the pressure off the batting side, and attaches it to the bowling unit. Anderson sees off the over before nicking the strike with a single.
One of these two sides will reach their first ever World Cup final today. But who will it be?
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Neil Manthorp
BBC Test Match Special
"We haven't had many, but this game could be an absolute stunner."
Powerplay
NZ 212-4
The batting powerplay is signalled - it's only four overs this one, because of the reduction in overs. Morne Morkel to bowl - and Anderson crashes the first ball through mid-off for four.
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Dominic Walker: This game is being set up perfectly for Vettori to hit the winning runs.
Mark Kelly: New Zealand very composed. They know they have the Powerplay and last few overs to smash the ball around.
Rakesh Pradhan: Eight an over in the modern ODI game is nothing. take note England.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"The powerplay is make-or-break for this game. Morne Morkel has to come to the party here."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
NZ 208-4 (Elliott 37*, Anderson 33*)
Steyn is bowling some serious heat here, but Elliott finds the gap with a back-cut which sails down towards third man, the lumbering Morne Morkel can't quite get to it and parries the ball onto the ropes for four.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It was extremely tight. He has tried to knock the ball on to his stumps and hit it with his hand. It was amazing to see AB de Villiers, one of the world's best fielders, do that."
Not out
NZ 204-4
De Villiers tries to take the ball at the non-striker's end, with Elliott nowhere. But he drops the ball and knocks the bails off with his hand. Knowing that, as per the laws of cricket, he then has to pull up a stump, he overbalances and Anderson gets back.
Third umpire
Hesitation between the wickets, Anderson is stranded down the pitch but have South Africa messed this up?
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Prayags: Going by Australia's and India's current form I believe that the winner of this semi-final will be the losing finalist.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"A couple of wickets changes this game and Dale Steyn is the match-maker."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
NZ 203-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Captain AB de Villiers to bowl - can his gentle medium pace be a partnership-breaker, or just smuggle through an over or two to help Duminy complete his allocation? Elliott clips a single off his legs to take his side's score to 200. With no pace on the ball, New Zealand have to do the hard yards to work it around - four from the over pushes the required rate up to the verge of eight.
And would you believe, on Duckworth-Lewis... the scores right now are nearly exactly level. While we don't anticipate more rain, it's a good guide as to who's on top.
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Kuni Poonasamy: I don't understand South Africa bowling so short. I know the boundary is short straight but let the batsman take you on.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"If they keep going at a run a ball for the next three overs, they will need 80 runs off their last 10 overs. South Africa need a wicket soon. New Zealand are in a good position to launch."
Scorecard update
New Zealand 199-4 (30 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 32 from 37 balls, Anderson 30 from 27 balls (two sixes)
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30)
Bowling figures: Steyn 5-0-49-0, Philander 8-0-46-0, Morkel 5-0-30-2, Tahir 7-1-21-0, Duminy 5-0-43-1
South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.
South Africa won toss
Scorecard
NZ 199-4 (Steyn 5-0-49-0)
And after that release of pressure, South Africa turn back to their pace spearhead Dale Steyn (and his mad, staring eyes). Elliott, who's getting a litlte bottled up at times, brings up the fifty partnership with a well-run three to deep extra cover. 99 more needed from 78 balls - 13 overs left, and Steyn can only bowl four.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Ideally, South Africa want Anderson out. They don't want to have to bowl at him during the powerplay overs."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"How are your nerves? Eden Park is alive once more, awoken by the spirit of Corey Anderson. For the first time in a little while, you feel the momentum is with New Zealand. The Auckland crowd knows it too."
NZ 196-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
For the first time in this innings, we have spin at both ends as off-spinner JP Duminy returns. A lot of beards on show in this game... While Duminy boosts the score with a wide, his fifth over only yields four singles and a two until a knee-high full toss - shades of Steve Smith's bowling - is hammered for an 82m six over the bowler's head by Anderson. A much better over for the co-hosts.
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Neil Manthorp
BBC Test Match Special
"Only a couple of batsmen have been able to pick Imran Tahir in this World Cup. He is bowling with so much variety."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
NZ 183-4 (Tahir 7-1-21-0)
Tahir bounces in, Corey Anderson - briefly the holder of the fastest ODI century title - doesn't look like he's dealing too well with the leg-spinner, only four singles are possible from the over - leaving the co-hosts needing 116 from 15 overs (90 balls).
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Jay: I'm amazed that people are writing off New Zealand. If they don't lose a wicket for four overs, I can see the South Africans panicking.
NZ 179-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
The 12th men and the giants drinks bottle flee Eden Park, where South Africa have had a "huddle" and an intense pep-talk from captain AB de Villiers. Philander to bowl his eighth over - under the reduced-overs formula, no-one can bowl more than nine. Grant Elliott - born in South Africa, lest we forget - is getting a little bogged down at times, but waits to thread a four through the covers. A single off the last ball takes him to 25 from 28 balls... but with a required rate of nearly 7.5, he will have to get a shift on at some point.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It is still in the balance this game, but I think the pendulum is now swinging towards South Africa."
Drinks break
NZ 174-4
With the pacemen rotated at one end (Philander now with 0-47 from seven), the two spinners have been operating from the other end. Imran Tahir is back on in place of Duminy, he's quickly through his over and puts the brakes on with just a single from it. The players have earned some drinks - New Zealand need 124 from 17 overs.
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Mark Pownall: Can't see New Zealand coming back from this now
#RugbyLI: Huge wicket for the Proteas, Taylor gone. Gonna be tough for NZ now from here I reckon.
NZ 173-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Anderson, who you can imagine as a burly woodcutter wielding a giant axe, again finds Philander difficult to get away for the first four balls - but then heaves a two towards cow corner, and then one swing of his mighty forearms later, a shorter delivery is hoisted into the crowd behind mid-wicket for six.
We'd normally be at the halfway mark of the innings here - but if you weren't with us for the long rain delay earlier, this is now a 43-over game with Duckworth and Lewis having set New Zealand 298 to win.
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Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"If New Zealand keep their wickets they will win this game."
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Richie O'HaraBeamand: With that wicket South Africa become favourites and we can drop the question of 'can they perform under pressure', battled back into this.
NZ 165-4 (Elliott 19*, Anderson 10*)
Elliott adds a single to bring the left-handed Anderson on strike against Duminy's off-spin. South Africa crowd him with a leg slip and a silly point, but Anderson fluently sweeps for four. A single takes him into double figures. The right-handed Elliott also powerfully sweeps for four, bisecting short fine leg and the man on the square leg boundary. 10 from the over.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The run-rate is now over seven, for the first time since New Zealand took guard and McCullum did his pyrotechnic thing. New Zealand are starting to feel the weight on their shoulders a bit.
"Anderson is normally a hitter. Is this situation going to prune that instinct? Pressure does funny things to you. South Africa sense that this game has changed."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
NZ 155-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Philander finds a bit of movement to discomfort Anderson, but after four dot balls, the beefy left-hander drills a fuller delivery for four back past the non-striker. That's the only scoring stroke from the over.
The Black Caps need 143 from 120 balls, and the required rate is up to over seven. And good news for South Africa - Dale Steyn is back on the field.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"Is that the ball game? Where once Eden Park was raucous, its hope is now slipping away. The noise is dimmed, there are plenty of orange shirts on seats, looking glum. South Africa are crushing the New Zealand dream."
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BBC Radio Test Match Special
You can put your questions to Test Match Special pundit Graeme Swann now. Post them on Twitter to #askswanny. We will video his answers and put them online later.
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Thanks, Phil. New Zealand reached the halfway point of their run chase almost exactly halfway through their allocation of overs - but then lost their fourth wicket. South Africa continue to rotate their pace trio at one end - Vernon Philander to bowl.
Scorecard update
New Zealand 151-4 (22 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Elliott 14, Anderson 1
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30)
Bowling figures: Steyn 4-0-46-0, Philander 5-0-35-0, Morkel 5-0-30-2, Tahir 5-1-16-0, Duminy 3-0-20-1
South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.
South Africa won toss
Scorecard
NZ 151-4 (Target 298 from 43 over)
Corey Anderson, your time has come. Your team needs you. Duminy eases him to the crease with a wide down leg before the batsman gets off the mark with a back-foot drive into the off side. I'm taking my jumper and handing you over to Mark Mitchener, who will see this game through to its no-doubt dramatic conclusion.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It turned just enough, and he followed it with half a bat. He tried to get it fine, but it was too fine and the wicketkeeper was involved.
"It is a very big wicket for the South Africans. New Zealand are now into the hitting components of their line-up and South Africa will feel they have pulled the game back."
WICKET
Taylor c De Kock b Duminy 30 (NZ 149-4)
This changes things again. Duminy's delivery is spinning down leg but Taylor, in an attempt to flick it into the mid-wicket region, catches an edge that De Kock takes. The batsman doesn't even wait for the umpire's finger - he just walks off.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"This is a pitch where once you get in and feel comfortable, the shots and runs come. We saw that with Du Plessis, De Villiers and Rossouw in the South Africa innings."
Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
OptaJason: Brendon McCullum today became the second player after Nathan Astle to score 3,000 ODI runs in New Zealand.
NZ 148-3 (target 298 from 43 overs)
Morkel takes over from Steyn (who is still off the pitch) and lets the side down by veering just slightly down leg to allow Elliott to flick the ball down to the fine leg boundary for four. The bowler corrects his line, though, and responds well, beating Elliott with a rising ball from just short of a length. 150 runs needed at 6.81 per over. They are one run ahead of Duckworth Lewis.
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Joshua Edwards: Guptill showing he's nothing but average against non-second rate bowling and fielding.
Sportsgamer: Taylor owes Guptill a few drinks after that run-out.
NZ 143-3
The concession is that four is Steyn's last act in the match (for a bit at least) as he leaves the pitch, presumably because of some unknown injury. He was moving OK so SA will be hoping it is nothing serious. Tahir continues and goes for just three runs as he looks to apply more pressure on the Kiwis. The spinner is bowling flat and proving a challenge.
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Ferdi Tjombe: The Duckworth-Lewis formula is outdated. Batsmen have evolved tremendously in the last few years.
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Jeremy Coney
Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special
"McCullum got them so far ahead of the run-rate and that has helped the other batsman use up that credit. But now that credit has run out and they have work to do themselves."
NZ 140-3 (Target 298 from 43 overs)
South Africa smell blood. They know another wicket will give them a real foothold. Steyn is back and with the bit between his teeth. Knowing he has some amends to make, Taylor is the epitome of focus as he gets everything behind a couple of deliveries before whipping one to leg for two runs and then driving through wide mid-on for four.
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Ben Wear: NZ are choking!
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"Guptill didn't stop, he ran all the way off the field and down the tunnel without taking his helmet off. For the first time, New Zealand are behind on Duckworth-Lewis."
NZ 133-3
Grant Elliott is the new man. He has a big job to do here. He starts well with a paddle sweep to claim a boundary first ball off Tahir before taking a single to keep strike.
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Allan Border
Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The hesitation has cost Martin Guptill. He is the man in form and his run-out was so unnecessary. Ross Taylor looks distraught, but he needs to get over it quickly as there's still a lot of work to do. As soon as you have hesitation at this level it will cost you. They didn't need to do that."
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WICKET
Guptill run out 34 (NZ 128-3)
Oh, Martin what have you done? Taylor prods one into the off side and sets off for a run before stopping and starting again. Guptill responds to Taylor and hesitates and he has no chance of making it ahead of the throw to the keeper. Load gun, point at foot, shoot.
Scorecard
NZ 128-2
They might be in consolidation mode, but New Zealand are still going to look to pit away bad balls when they come. Guptill punches an on-drive from Philander down the ground for a boundary before Taylor gets a four of his own with a whip to leg that a sliding fielder pushes over the rope. Four additional singles make it a very good over for the Black Caps.
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West Indies opener Chris Gayle: Flying home to my beautiful girl 'Jamaica' she's the best ever!!!!
NZ 116-2 (target 298 from 43 overs)
It is all about wickets now. SA really want them and NZ are desperate to make sure they don't get them. It is resulting in a tense period of consolidation for the chasing side, who work Tahir around for three singles.
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Sam Wilson: That was a ridiculous knock from Brendon McCullum. I bet it made Steven Finn feel better about himself though.
NZ 113-2 (Guptill 26, Taylor 16)
Philander's first ball is a beauty, which pitches just outside leg before seaming away from Guptill and turns him inside out. Guptill makes contact with the following ball to push it into cover for a single but Taylor is tied at the striker's end for the remainder as New Zealand stay just narrowly ahead of the Duckworth Lewis par score.
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Fenners: Surely Duckworth-Lewis needs amending, as it's based on old stats, game is totally different now. NZ should have to chase more.
NZ 112-2
Tahir gets another turn in the South Africa attack after his one-over spell earlier in the innings, during McCullum's blitz. Some good running from New Zealand brings Taylor two from a little push to leg. He gets another run with a second prod to leg before Guptill sweeps his way to a run of his own. It is steady, sensible stuff from the Kiwis.
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Allan Border
Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special
"New Zealand need some common sense batting. We definitely have game on. Six an over, in this day and age, is not too much."
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Charles: Can somebody please explain how NZ have to score 17 more runs than SA in the same number of balls/overs?
Briefly, from the FAQs on the official Duckworth-Lewis website:
"When the interruption occurs during the first innings, so that the match is shortened to one of fewer overs per side than it was at its start, Team 1 are usually more disadvantaged than Team 2. Before the stoppage they had been pacing their innings in the expectation of receiving say 50 overs... Team 2, on the other hand, know from the start of their innings that they have the reduced number of overs and can pace their innings accordingly. Team 2 are set a higher target to compensate Team 1 for this disadvantage."
NZ 107-2 (Guptill 23, Taylor 13)
AB de Villiers hosted a very calm team-talk during that drinks break, in which Steyn also had a prominent say. Can they put whatever they discussed into practice and swing this match in their favour? Philander's over is a good one as he concedes just the three runs.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Guptill will know he only averages 11 against South Africa, but coming into this game he has just scored a hundred and then a 200 and that's a good place to be."
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NZ 104-2 (Run-rate 8.66, required 6.25)
That Guptill six is the highlight of the over - and a shot that pretty much gets New Zealand all the runs they need from the over to match the required run-rate. Four other singles are just a bonus to the co-hosts. And that is drinks - and a much-needed regroup for SA.
Six
NZ 101-2
The New Zealand 100 is up courtesy of a huge Guptill six that he clatters high over mid-wicket off Duminy.
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Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"The World Cup deserves a close match. We have got a full house. The run rate is 6.40 and with the dimensions of this ground that is not too hard to get. The easiest thing to do when chasing is to look at Duckworth-Lewis and keep up with that to take off the pressure."
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NZ 94-2
Ross taylor has started well. He slap cuts a short Morkel ball for four through cover before controlling a steer past slip and down to third man before Guptill is tested by a rising ball that beats his outside edge. New Zealand are now looking to play balls on merit after McCullum's dismissive, smash everything approach.
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Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Auckland
"It is almost as if we're playing a different sport since McCullum fell. Was it a needless stroke? It's hard to say when he was flaying the bowling in such a destructive manner. Now with Williamson gone too, South Africa are on top and the crowd deflated."
Scorecard update
New Zealand 88-2 (10 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)
Batsmen: Guptill 12*, Taylor 5*
Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6)
Bowling figures: Steyn 3-0-39-0, Philander 2-0-19-0, Morkel 3-0-19-2, Tahir 1-1-0-0, Duminy 1-0-7-0
South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.
South Africa won toss
Scorecard
NZ 88-2 (target 298 from 43 overs)
This is interesting. JP Duminy is into the South Africa attack. He concedes three singles from his first three balls before Taylor sweeps a wayward ball down to the fine leg boundary for four.
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James Cooper: Swanny thinking 298 is 'easily gettable' at this ground - did he not see the NZ run chase v Australia or the SA run chase v Pakistan?
How's stat?
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Martin Guptill is the first New Zealander to score 500 runs in a World Cup. previous highest is 499 by Scott Styris in 2007."