A masterful piece of batting from Grant Elliott saw off a valiant South African side who crashed out of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Elliott helped New Zealand win the semi-final encounter at Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday.
New Zealand won the match by four wickets in the final over after Elliott hit Steyn for a six of the second last ball and book a first final in a World Cup for the Black Caps.
South Africa who have often been criticised for failing to cross the final hurdle bowed out for the fourth time in a semi-final. They have been associated with the ‘chokers’ tag in big tournaments and English cricket team outcast Kevin Pietersen feels they didn’t choke this time after playing a great game of cricket that went down the wire.
Pietersen stated that the Proteas were beaten by a better team and lauded skipper AB de Villiers for leading the team well.
Meanwhile, Shane Warne felt South Africa should hold their heads high as they have done everybody proud and gave everything.
Former Indian batting sensation VVS Laxman stated one could see how emotional South Africa were and they needed the win desperately.
