AUCKLAND, (New Zealand): South Africa captain AB de Villiers won the toss and elected to bat first in its Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in which both teams are seeking to reach the final for the first time.
Steady overnight rain dampened the outfield at Eden Park but didn't prevent the match from starting on time and wasn't expected to cause any disruption.
New Zealand is playing in a semifinal for the seventh time, South Africa for the second time: whichever team wins will meet the winner of Thursday's match between Australia and India.
#NZvsSANew Zealand get the 12 runs off the last over and qualify for the World Cup final for the VERY FIRST TIME.Steyn needs medical attention. #NZ needs 10 runs off last 4 balls.OUT! Ronchi departs for 8, leaving Kiwis to need 27 off 17 balls. |
| <h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>Drama happening at Eden Park: OUT! Du Plessis makes no mistake, a high catch and suddenly #SA are back into the game. #NZ are 252/5 (38).</strong></h4><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>This is going down to 'the wire'</p>— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottbstyris/status/580300131553001473">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>100 partnership Up for Anderson and Elliot. </strong>#SA are on road to retain their tag of "chokers". Kiwis are 251/4 off 37 overs. Morne Morkel is the next man to bowl.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>That could well prove to be the most significant century partnership in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZ?src=hash">#NZ</a> ODI history <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cwc15?src=hash">#cwc15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a></p>— Adam Burnett (@AdamBurnett09) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamBurnett09/status/580298181201637377">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>A FOUR & FIFTY for Elliot. </strong>Both Anderson & Elliot are making this innings <strong>unforgettable for both Kiwis and Proteas</strong>. #NZ are<strong> 243/4 (36)</strong>.</p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>50 Up for Corey Anderson. He is playing the innings of his life. #NZ are 237/4 (35.2).</strong></h4><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>Imran Tahir is the new bowler. Can he give the Proteas the needed breakthrough?</strong></h4><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>35th Over: Another FOUR, </strong>AB in the deep couldn't stop it. #NZ are<strong> 231/4.</strong></p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>SIX</strong>! On a length on middle, <strong>Elliott</strong> comes across and heaves this one over square leg fence for a maximum. #NZ are 226/4 (34.2).</p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>NOT OUT: </strong>Corey Anderson survives a run out. He was no where near to the non-striker's end but AB de Villiers couldn't complete it.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Has the moment of truth come and gone for SA?</p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580292527548293120">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>According to D/L method, New Zealand has to chase down 298 in 43 overs in order to make their first ever final of Cricket World Cup.</strong></h4><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>OUT! Anderson removes Miller but it is already too late. Damage has been done by him, 49 off 19 balls.</strong></h4><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>Home crowd is definitely not enjoying this. 43 runs off the last 3 overs, Miller is already on 43 off just 15 balls.</strong></h4><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>RAINS of BOUNDARIES at EDEN PARK: </strong>Just after du Plessis' dismissal, David Miller is making sure Proteas register a strong target. FOUR BOUNDARIES in 40th over. <strong>#SA are 239/4 (40).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>and remember too, that d/l will give new zealand a decently higher target than what south africa score in 43. won't be easy for nz.</p>— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/580247697094893569">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>OUT! Corey Anderson gives New Zealand an important breakthrough just after game resumes after rain break.</strong></h4><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>Review</strong> forces the umpire to overchange his decision! Short and down the leg side, du Plessis swivels and goes for the pull shot but only manages to glove that one to Ronchi behind the wickets.</p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>PLAY RESUMESD: De Villiers and Faf have walked into the field. Anderson to start bowling for #NZ. #SA are 216/3 (38).</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rain brings NZ back strongly into the match....</p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580243461296672768">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4><strong>Latest from Eden Park: The play will be resumed in 15 minutes and has been reduced to 43 overs. 5 overs to go! #SA are 216/3 (38) with Ab (60) & Faf (82) on crease. Can Southee and Co fare well in the death overs?</strong></h4><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The reason you have to try and finish the game on day 1 is that it is better to seek a result than wait for day 2 and not get one!</p>— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/580240935671345153">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There is a massive cheer around Eden Park as they look to take the covers off. Standby. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nzvsa?src=hash">#nzvsa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BacktheBlackCaps?src=hash">#BacktheBlackCaps</a> ^PT</p>— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/580236019590516736">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>If in case South Africa are not able to bat, and if only 20 overs possible New zealand's target is 166 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BingPredicts?src=hash">#BingPredicts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DimagSay?src=hash">#DimagSay</a></p>— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mohanstatsman/status/580233496456667136">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>Bad news, still drizzling very lightly. Covers are back on. Rain is getting heavier.</strong></p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>Before the break</strong>, AB de Villiers and Faf Du Plessis together smashed 54 runs off the last 5 overs. Can they resume their big hitting or lose momentum giving a huge advantage to the Kiwis? #SA are 216/3 (38).</p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Covers coming off...Strap in for AB!</p>— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/580227908834201600">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>Latest update from Auckland: </strong> Looking better at Eden Park. Brighter. Rain is softer. Let's hope the covers are taken off soon. 44 minutes have been lost already in the first semi-final of 2015 World Cup between New Zealand and South Africa.</p><h4> </h4><h4><strong>If the match is not completed today, we have a reserve day tomorrow with play resuming from where it stops.</strong></h4><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sachin, Ponting, Kumar, Lara, de Villiers: top 5 run-scorers in WCs. AB has passed Sanath, Kallis this innings. Elite group. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cwc15?src=hash">#cwc15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a></p>— Adam Burnett (@AdamBurnett09) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamBurnett09/status/580223682477363201">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><h4> </h4><p><strong>RAIN at Auckland, COVERS are OUT. #NZ will not like this. #SA are 216/3 (38).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rain still coming down here in Eden Park but not too heavily, hopefully it won't be too long <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cwc15?src=hash">#cwc15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a> <a href="http://t.co/HS6kcIeD8i">pic.twitter.com/HS6kcIeD8i</a></p>— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/580218380260491264">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><p><strong>AB de Villiers is DROPPED AGAIN.</strong> AB goes for the pull shot but gets a top edge towards mid-wicket. 3 players run from the deep but none can reach to it. #SA are 204/3 (37).</p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>And de Villiers is freeing his arms. This could be dangerous for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZ?src=hash">#NZ</a>. And the spectators. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakTheJinx?src=hash">#BreakTheJinx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvsSA?src=hash">#NZvsSA</a></p>— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/580213163024515072">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>DROPPED!</strong> Pressure taking over Williamson, <strong>AB survives. A 6, 4 and a 4 follows next.</strong> #SA are 199/3 (36).</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>de Villiers, you are unbelievable!</p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580212887727132672">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>Batting powerplay taken. Runs or wickets from the next FIVE overs? #SA are 184/3 (35).</strong></p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>This is looking ominous. Bowling in the last 15 overs against a team with wickets in hand is an absolute nightmare. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a></p>— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyNeesh/status/580210329293971456">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>A MISSED RUN OUT, but AB de Villiers hit on his eye? Medical attenstion given to him. #SA are 178/3 (34.3).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>34th Over:</strong> A FOUR to end the over. Anderson was expensive, 14 runs of that over.<strong> AB and Faf taking charge now</strong>. #SA are 175/3.</p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>FOUR! </strong>Another short delivery from Anderson & Faf drives it for 4! #SA are 167/3 (33.3). <strong>Can Corey get the much needed breakthrough here for the Kiwis?</strong></p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>DRINKS BREAK</strong>:<strong> 32 runs off last 3 overs, Faf & AB starting to take on the #NZ bowlers. Moreover, powerplay is yet to come. #SA are 162/3 after 32 overs.</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Congrats to AB, who has just overtaken Jacques Kallis as South Africa's most prolific Cricket World Cup run scorer! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFIRE?src=hash">#ProteaFIRE</a></p>— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/KassNaidoo/status/580208912638541826">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>Fifty for Du Plessis:</strong> Crucial knock this with #SA now 140/3 (31).</p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p>South African skipper <strong>AB de Villiers</strong> is the next batsman at the crease.</p><p> </p><h4><strong><img alt="picture-@Aus.png" id="_3b67b897-4d66-464d-b8e6-65df718d94a4" src="http://images.newindianexpress.com/uploads/user/imagelibrary/2015/3/24/8/original/picture-@Aus.png" width="120" /> </strong></h4><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>OUT! Corey Anderson STRIKES, excellent single-handed catch by Guptill at point & Rossouw goes for 39. #SA are 114/3 (26.1).</strong></p><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p><strong>100 Up for #SA:</strong> Plessis & Rossouw slowing gaining momentum. <strong>25 overs gone, 108/2.</strong></p><h4> </h4><p><strong>23rd over</strong>. New Zealand skipper hands the ball to <strong>Kane Williamson</strong>. Kiwis desperately need a wicket here. #SA are 88/2 (22).</p><h4> </h4><p><strong>50 partnership Up between Plessis and Rilee. </strong>Kiwis need a wicket here. #SA are 81/2 (20.3).</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Du Plessis's slowly stepping on the gas ! A wicket before 25 overs is vital ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a></p>— Jumbo (@giantfootyguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/giantfootyguy/status/580195820537929728">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><p><strong>20 overs gone, #SA are 77/2. Can Rossouw and Du Plessis do something big on an important day?</strong></p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brendon McCullum carving out a special niche as captain. Ambitious, aggressive, inspirational as NZ's record since he took over shows</p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580192638260805632">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><p><strong>19th Over begins, 2 slips and a gully for Tim Southee.</strong></p><h4> </h4><p><strong>18th Over</strong>: Seven runs off that Vettori over. #SA are 71/2.</p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cwc15?src=hash">#cwc15</a> a huddle for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZ?src=hash">#NZ</a> at the drinks break -crucial stage of the match coming up !</p>— rajesh (@rajeshworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajeshworld/status/580191617232941056">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><p><strong>DRINKS BREAK</strong> at Eden Park. Can #NZ get a breakthrough after it? #SA are 61/2 (16).</p><p> </p><h4><strong>BOWLING CHANGE</strong>: Daniel Vettori comes into the attack. Can he get a wicket here? #SA are 58/2 (15).</h4><h4> </h4><p><strong>Matt Henry to continue after two back-to-back maidens. #SA are 56/2 (14).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Whatever the outcome, Black Caps have shown great passion and excellence throughout the tournamen. All of New Zealand seems inspired...</p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580189469527003136">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>FIFTY!</strong>: Boult to du Plessis, 3, 3, 4 and there is 50 Up for #SA. 53/2 (13.3).</p><h4> </h4><h4><strong>RECORD! Trent Boult now has the most number of wickets for #NZ in a single World Cup edition. #SA are 43/2 (13).</strong></h4><h4> </h4><h4><img alt="Crowd-@AUS.png" id="_167871c1-657b-47d9-9085-c00d646aa5fb" src="http://images.newindianexpress.com/uploads/user/imagelibrary/2015/3/24/7/original/Crowd-@AUS.png" width="120" /> </h4><p><strong>1th Over</strong>: Brilliant fielding by the Blackcaps. <strong>Pure entertainment at Eden Park</strong>. #SA are 39/2 (11).</p><p> </p><p>Four slips and a gully! McCullum maintains the <strong>super-aggressive </strong>mode of #NZ.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Just worry about so many asking New Zealand to stay calm. The more you say it the more difficult it becomes.</p>— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/580167474156478465">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p> </p><p><strong>McCullum makes a bowling change, Matt Henry comes into the attack. #Sa are 31/2 (8).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>4 days ago, Matt Henry was at a first-class match with Canterbury, he is now bowling in a World Cup Semi-Final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a> <a href="http://t.co/wwVCBjw6Fk">pic.twitter.com/wwVCBjw6Fk</a></p>— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/580183342722633729">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>OUT!</strong> Boult offers <strong>De Kock</strong> an outside off, the latter tries to go big, instead his ball lands in the hands of the third man, Southee takes a simple catch. <strong>#SA BOULTED again</strong>. De Kock departs for 14. #SA are 31/2 (7.5).</p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Amla falling early could slow down SA in powerplay. Good score on this ground? Below 300 would be inadequate I feel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilSay?src=hash">#DilSay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BingPredicts?src=hash">#BingPredicts</a></p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580179022954418177">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>14 balls, since the last boundary was scored. #SA need them in order to release pressure. 29/1 (6.3).</strong></p><h4> </h4><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Good swing bowlers, curved lines towards the batsmen, still a problem. Amidst all the change, some things the same.....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Boult?src=hash">#Boult</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a></p>— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/580177350656065539">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><h4> </h4><p><strong>5th Over</strong>: One more good over from <strong>Southee</strong>, just one run. #SA are 26/1.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Every run is so important on this game!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSA?src=hash">#NZvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC2015?src=hash">#CWC2015</a></p>— Oldmarcus Nembahe (@oldmarcus) <a href="https://twitter.com/oldmarcus/status/580178470623416320">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p> </p><p>OUT! After being dropped once, <strong>Amla</strong> doesn't survive this time. He tried to drive that one without any definite foot movement and gets an inside edge. Boult gets the big man. #SA are 21/1. <strong>Du Plessis</strong> walks in!</p><p> </p><p><strong>After getting a life, Amla already has hit TWO boundaries.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>DROPPED: </strong>Pressure seen here. Trent Boult drops at fine-leg, <strong>Amla surevives</strong>. This might be an expensive mistake. Oh yes, after two dots, Amla drives it for a four. #SA are 12/0 (2.4).</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A fairly nervy start by everyone at Eden Park, but the ball is definitely swinging. I fancy the kiwis today</p>— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swannyg66/status/580175158444453888">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Tim Southee</strong> comes again.</p><p> </p><h4>End of the 2nd over, South Africa are 10/0.</h4><h4> </h4><p><strong>FOUR: </strong>De Kock gets another outside edge, NZ keeper Luke Ronchi puts it down, 2nd boundary of the over.</p><p> </p><p><strong>1st OVER:</strong> Tim Southee gives Kiwis amazing start by bowling the first over maiden.</p><p> </p><p><strong>TOSS:</strong> South African skipper AB de Villiers won the toss and chose to bat first against Kiwis in the first semi-final of 2015 World Cup.</p></td></tr></table> |