Grant Elliott's 84 took New Zealand to a sensational four-wicket win over South Africa in World Cup 2015 semis.
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New Zealand's latest World Cup 2015 hero Grant Elliott dedicated his team's sensational semi-final win over South Africa to the 45,000 cheering fans at the buzzing Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday. The Kiwis beat South Africa by four wickets in a thriller to reach their first-ever World Cup final. (Match report | Highlights)
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"I don't think this win is for myself or the team, but for everyone here. The supporters have been amazing," Elliot said at the post-match presentation.
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"There were 45000 fans screaming at you every ball. It has been an absolute pleasure playing in front of this crowd. We have had a good run. It is the first final we have been in as New Zealand," the Man of the Match added.
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South African skipper AB de Villiers too praised the crowd, saying, "This is the most electric crowd I've heard in my life. Credit to them."
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Chasing 298 in 43 overs based on D/L method, Brendon McCullum laid the platform but New Zealand lost wickets regularly. The South African-born 36-year-old Elliott displayed nerves of steel in a daunting chase, smashing the most crucial 84 runs in the history of New Zealand cricket.
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With 12 needed from the final over, Elliott took his team over the line with a massive six.
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"I think we timed the pace of the innings to perfection. Nothing was going on in my mind when I hit the six. I don't even know where the ball went," Elliott said. �
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New Zealand now await the winners of the India-Australia semi-final in Sydney on Thursday.
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"We are a very level team, we will approach it (the final) as any other game," Elliot said.
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Can the Kiwis extend their magical run to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and clinch a World Cup title on March 29? Interesting times ahead.
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