World Cup Semi Final 1 : South Africa vs. New Zealand

The first Semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup was a perfect nail-biting action-filled encounter featuring two of the most deserving teams in this tournament. The South Africans were desperate to refrain from being called "CHOKERS" and New Zealand were waiting to enter their first ever World Cup Final.

The match began as South Africa won the toss and opt to bat. The match was then reduced to 43 overs per side as the rain interrupted. At the end of 43 overs, South Africa posted a decent total of 281/5 riding on the back of Faf's cal and composed 82(107) , Ab de villiers 65(45) and David Miller's quickfire cameo of 49 from just 18 deliveries.The left-armer Trent Boult and young all-rounder Corey Anderson were the stand-out performers for the Kiwis with the ball as the former and the latter picked up two and three wickets respectively.

The Kiwis came on with a comparatively huge total to chase. Mcullum and Guptill came out to open the innings for New Zealand. it was a perfect opening pair which had a batsman who could play an anchors role in Martin Guptill who came into the game fresh after scoring a brilliant double century against the Windies while the agressive partner and kiwi captain Mcullum looked forward to continue his ruthless attitude of giving charge right from the word "GO" !  As expected , Mcullum fired and paved his way to59 off just 29 deliveries before being dismissed by Morne Morkel , however he did his job. In came Kane Williamson, the most consistent and reliable Kiwi batsman in recent times. Guptill scored 34 at just run-a-ball and was soon back in the hut too.Williamson's stay at the crease was not long as he was out cheaply.Now , Ross Taylor was the new batsman in. He too scored a 39 ball 30 and was dimissed by the hat trick hero from the last match JP Duminy.the rest of the batting led by Corey Anderson and Grant Elliot , who made the match even more special by giving it a typical Dhoni finish - hitting a six off one of the fastest bowlers of all time- Dale Steyn and taking his country to first ever World Cup Final ! His country ? Not Really as the Greatest Irony is that he was born in South Africa but because of lack of chances there he migrated to New Zealand !

Grant Elliot sealed it off with a six !

The celebrations were on for the Kiwis but one thing that touched the hearts of all was the scenes of true gentlemen crying ! Yes ! Ab de villiers , Morne Morkel were seen shredding tears while others like Dale Steyn and Faf du plesis were broken into pieces. 

In the post match presentation we saw a great act -

Some more images from the game :

 Kane Williamson and Brendon Mcullum took a walk after their first ever World cup final entry and acknowledged the crowd.

  Anderson and Elliot put on a good partnership.

A Heart-Breaking moment.