New Zealand vs South Africa: Grant Elliott’s Six, 2015 World Cup Semi-Final
Neither New Zealand nor South Africa had ever reached a World Cup final. One of them was going to, and the semi-final in Auckland came down to the last two balls.
Official highlights from the ICC YouTube channel. Press play, then use the full-screen button in the bottom-right corner of the player. Watch on YouTube
Match facts
| Competition | ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 March 2015 |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Result | New Zealand won by 4 wickets (DLS method) |
The story of the match
Rain cut the match to 43 overs a side. Faf du Plessis made 82, AB de Villiers 65 not out and David Miller 49 off 18 balls, and South Africa finished on 281 for 5. New Zealand’s target was set at 298.
Brendon McCullum blasted 59 off 26 balls at the start, but wickets fell and the chase tightened. Grant Elliott, born in Johannesburg, made 84 not out and shared a stand with Corey Anderson. With five needed from two balls, Elliott hit Dale Steyn over long-on for six.
Key moments to watch for
- Miller’s 49 off 18 balls
- McCullum’s blistering start
- Elliott and Anderson rebuild
- Elliott’s six off Steyn with one ball left
- Elliott helps Steyn to his feet
Why it’s one of the greatest cricket matches ever
It sent New Zealand into their first World Cup final and broke South African hearts again. Elliott reaching down to pick up Steyn after the winning hit is remembered as a fine moment of sportsmanship.
More classic cricket matches
- England vs India: India’s Lord’s Fightback, 2021
- Ireland vs England: Kevin O’Brien’s 50-Ball Hundred, 2011 World Cup
- Kusal Perera 153*: Sri Lanka’s One-Wicket Win in Durban, 2019
See all 40 on our list of the greatest matches ever, or catch up on this season on the latest highlights page.
Comments