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Live Reporting

Mark Mitchener and Phil Dawkes

All times stated are UK

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  1. Post update

    And that is where we're going to leave it. Fourteen teams have been reduced to three, and after six failed attempts, co-hosts New Zealand have finally reached their first World Cup final. You can already read Stephan Shemilt's match report on the BBC Sport website.,

    It ends there for South Africa - but not for the tournament. It's over to Sydney on Thursday where Australia and India meet for the right to play NZ in the final. Play gets under way at 03:30 GMT - so set your alarm clock and make sure you join us on the live text from 03:00.

    That's it from us. New Zealand have their dream final, and South Africa, I think, can hold their heads high after a superb game. Goodbye for now.

  2. Review of the day - part two

    Captain Brendon McCullum, as he does so often, gave New Zealand impetus with a characteristically pugnacious 59 from 26 balls. Their hopes eventually rested with a century stand from Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson.

    While Anderson holed out for 58, Elliott - who was born in Johannesburg and learned his cricket in South Africa before moving to New Zealand - saw the Black Caps home with an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls.

    In a thrilling finish, Elliott launched Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, for six into the stand from the penultimate ball of the match to book their place in Sunday's final, leaving a couple of South Africa players in tears.

    Brendon McCullum
  3. Post update

    BBC Radio 5 live

    Former All Blacks hooker and captain Sean Fitzpatrick on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was fantastic. The whole of New Zealand has got behind the cricket team and I think as AB de Villiers said post match, it was the most electric atmosphere.

    "The whole World Cup has been fantastic. Brendon McCullum has turned this team around from four years ago. They have come out and played a brand of cricket that is being enjoyed all over the world.

    "They have stayed under then radar a bit, had a good build-up but have come in and delivered. Players like McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor are just phenomenal. They are amazing to watch."

  4. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis: What a great game of cricket. SA did not lose that game. NZ won it. Well played NZ. And to the Proteas you can be proud of your campaign.

  5. Review of the day - part one

    It all began just under 10 hours ago when South Africa walked out to bat after winning the toss. Trent Boult struck twice early on, but Faf du Plessis (82), Rilee Rossouw (39) and AB de Villiers (65 not out) took the Proteas to 216-3 from 38 overs when the rain came - which reduced the game to 43 overs per side.

    David Miller then took the initiative with 49 from 18 balls to help SA post 281-5 - with New Zealand being set an adjusted target of 298 from 43 overs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

    Faf du Plessis
  6. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman

    On Twitter: "South Africa DID NOT CHOKE. They got beaten by a better team today. AB led the team wonderfully well. But, well done NZ. See you in Sydney."

  7. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Khalil Ismail: AB de Villiers: "We play to make a difference in our country back home." South Africans should be proud, words of a true leader.

  8. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former Australia spinner Shane Warne: What a game of cricket in New Zealand. Please hold your heads high South Africa, you've done everyone proud as you gave it absolutely everything. Congratulations to the NZ team who were outstanding in their run chase. NZ held their nerve and are through to their first World Cup final.

    Brendon McCullum and Morne Morkel
  9. Post update

    Earlier today, prompted by the TMS panel discussion during the rain break, we were asking you what rule changes you would like to see made to one-day international cricket.

    On reflection, the rules of a game which produces a finish like we've just had... can't be THAT badly wrong, surely?

  10. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Nkain84: What a game of cricket, can only dream of England playing like that!

    Andy Donley: 50 over cricket is so much better than Twenty20 for me. Tension like that wouldn't be created in a 40-over game.

  11. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Mark Pettman, trying to concentrate in the City: What a game. But three missed run-outs and a dropped catch will haunt South Africa for years.

    Wayne, UAE: South Africa choosing to bat first knowing there were high probability risks of poor weather impacting the first innings resulting in reduced overs was a stupid decision.

    Imran Tahir comforts Morne Morkel
  12. Player reaction

    More from NZ all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "Everyone in the team knows they have got a job to do. Although we've got through, we still have not achieved what we want to and that's win the World Cup.

    "We've been trying to play with smiles on our faces and please the people of New Zealand. They have fallen in love with the team and hopefully we can go out on Sunday and put in a good performance.

    "It's going to be the first time for a lot of us to play at the MCG, it's going to be the biggest event that we've ever played in. The crowd will not be like it's been here if Australia go through. Their crowd will be on us, but that's something we're looking forward to."

    Corey Anderson hugs Daniel Vettori
  13. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    iKopite: Hard not to tear up (in the office. at work) seeing the reactions from Morkel, ABD & Steyn. Gave it their all.

    Peter: Looks like Duminy knows Behardien's catching ability. The ball shot through his hands before JP arrived.

  14. Player reaction

    New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "It's a dream come true. There have been a lot of teams trying very hard for New Zealand to try to get to the final and we're lucky enough to be the team to do it.

    "Brendon (McCullum) is massive for us. He teed off and put us ahead of that run rate, and they struggled to come back after that. That's what he has been doing all tournament and he's very good at it. Even though he got 50, it would be nice for him if he gets a big score on Sunday. We could have lost a few wickets and fallen in a heap but to get 298 off 43 overs is a massive chase."

  15. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Rob Weaver: Great game, rain spoilt the game... Dropped catches... run out missed... SA did not choke just bad luck, well played SA!

    Alan Compton: Not to be 'that guy' but who is England's McCullum? England's ABDV? Cook? Morgan? Big problem.

  16. Captain's view

    More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "All credit to South Africa, the way they have played has been a great advert for cricket and their country. They gave us one hell of a run.

    "It's the greatest time of our lives as players. It's an incredible ride, the crowd has supported this team and the brand of cricket we have played. Hopefully they're dreaming like we are. It would be nice to win it. Both teams in the other semi-final are quality teams and we know if we play the way we can we have a chance."

  17. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "Even De Villiers took the mantle to bowl, and you could arguably say he was one of South Africa's best bowlers. To go for 21 off three overs, at a time when New Zealand needed boundaries - he gave it absolutely everything in this game."

  18. Captain's view

    More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "It was a great advert for cricket. Everyone that was here will remember it for the rest of their lives. We have given ourselves a chance of World Cup glory and I'm proud of our efforts.

    "We knew we just had to hang in there and give ourselves a chance. At the end what a great innings from Grant Elliott. He came out of the wilderness not long ago and now just played a match-winning innings in a World Cup semi-final."

    Brendon McCullum
  19. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "To be fair to South Africa, someone up there doesn't want them in a final, but their time will come - they're oozing with talent. Before that rain break, they were going to post 360-370 and that would have been too much for New Zealand. You can't talk about choking."

  20. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Daily Mirror cricket correspondent Dean Wilson: AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum two magnificent leaders around which their teams and countries can rally. Different class.

  21. Man of the match

    More from New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott who scored 84 not out and hit the winning six: "Hopefully, all our supporters got what they wanted. We've had two close, amazing games here now.

    "We will probably have a few drinks in the changing rooms. I don't like to get too high or low - I prefer to reflect later - but it is a great moment to share with family and the team. The win is for the supporters.

    "I think we left it a little too late. I can say that now even though we won it. South Africa have a world-class unit and they bowled well. We got a bit of luck but it was our day.

    "The feeling in the team is that it is destined. That is how I felt. It feels like it was meant to be. The best team on the day will win the final. We have nothing to lose. Someone has to step up."

    Grant Elliott (right) and Daniel Vettori (left) celebrate in front of South Africa's Dale Steyn
  22. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "I honestly thought South Africa had done enough with three or four overs to go, but Grant Elliott stayed so calm out there. You have to feel sorry for Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, great professionals who gave it everything out there, but hats off to New Zealand."

  23. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Kristin Carmichael: Notice there was no sledging, aggro or nastiness? They just got on with it, played cricket & gave us a game to be remembered!

    A very good point, Kristin. It can be done.

  24. Post update

    South Africa have entertained - but fallen short. Thoughts now turn to those who might not be around at the next tournament in four years' time. Dale Steyn, for instance, will turn 36 in the summer of 2019, will he manage to get his battered body through another four years of international cricket between now and then? Hashim Amla will be 36. De Villiers 35, Morne Morkel 34. And Imran Tahir, who will be 36 on Friday, will be 40 by the time the next World Cup comes around.

    Imran Tahir (centre) in tears
  25. Captain's view

    More from South Africa captain AB de Villiers: "It was an amazing game. I couldn't ask for anything more. We're hurting over this. We play for the people back home, hopefully the passion we showed made a difference and that people can still be proud of us, even though we have lost tonight.

    "There have been some wonderful performances. We had a wonderful thing going. We are a unit, but the unit came unstuck today. There have been very good individual performances throughout the tournament. To the teams in the final, all the best for whoever wins."

  26. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Australia head coach Darren Lehmann: Congrats @NZcricket1 and congrats @BrendanMcCullum and team, loved the ANZAC spirit, well done to Grant Elliott!

    Ex-New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming: What an unbelievable game. So proud of the @BLACKCAPS and what they have achieved. Also feel the raw pain of @OfficialCSA on an amazing day.

  27. Captain's view

    South Africa captain AB de Villiers on TMS: "It is really painful. We have no regrets. We left it all out on the field. We had opportunities and it will take us a long time to get over this. All the best to New Zealand today. They played a great game. I was happy with the total, we had chances in the field and didn't take them and came undone against a team who played better cricket.

    "It was an electric vibe tonight and probably the best crowd I've ever played in front of. We go away with sore hearts."

    AB de Villiers
  28. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ashley Graham: Sport is a difficult mistress at times like this but what a finale. Both teams deserve to be in the final really.

    Ilyas Najib: 1992, 2003, and now 2015, South Africa, rain and World Cups just don't mix.

  29. Post update

    Spare a thought for captain AB de Villiers, being lined up for yet another post-match interview when he must feel like hell, or JP Duminy, who may well replay that crucial dropped catch - when he cannoned into Farhaan Behardien who seemed to have it covered - thousands of times before he goes to sleep tonight. If he can sleep.

  30. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Here's some reaction from other players who've played at this World Cup:

    Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene: What a semi final! I feel for the SA boys. Well done to NZ.

    Australia batsman Steve Smith: Amazing game of cricket!!! Well done New Zealand.

    England seamer Chris Woakes: Proper game of cricket!! So good to see one of the good guys @grantelliottnz see NZ home. Well done New Zealand!

  31. Post update

    New Zealand now doing a lap of honour around Eden Park. After eight game on home soil, they must now cross the Tasman Sea - aka "The Ditch" - to the cavernous MCG, where they will play Australia or India on Sunday.

  32. Captain's view

    New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum on TMS: "These boys, I am so proud of them. A lesser team would have laid down today. To see Grant come in and be as calm as he was... we've given ourselves a chance of the big prize. Credit to South Africa, they gave as good as they got. I feel for them at the moment. But out boys were outstanding. And it was a great semi-final.

    "It was important we created a run-rate early on. But it all pales in comparison to that innings from Grant. We've got one shot at glory now and we look forward to Melbourne."

    Brendon McCullum
  33. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Alan Simon: Great win by NZ but South Africa would've been out of sight had it not been for the rain break. Big slice of luck for the Kiwis.

    Ashley Wells: If that were England, we'd have lost by 150 runs and then claimed we were making progress.

  34. Man of the match

    New Zealand's Grant Elliott: "It is great. I don't think this win is for myself, or the team, it is for everyone here. The support has been amazing.

    "We just wanted to take it as deep as we could. Corey (Anderson) batted well and we timed the innings to perfection. When you have 40,000 fans screaming at you every ball, it has been an absolute pleasure playing at Eden Park and playing in front of the home crowd.

    "We have had a good run, this is the first final we have been in and we will approach it as any other match."

    Grant Elliott
  35. Man of the match

    New Zealand batsman Grant Elliott, who made an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls and hit the winning runs, is handed the man-of-the-match award by the unmistakeable figure of Windies legend Clive Lloyd. We'll hear from him shortly.

  36. Post update

    New Zealand batsman Corey Anderson on TMS: "It feels unbelievable. The best feeling I've ever had. We haven't achieved what we want yet. We want to win the whole thing.

    "That was a big score to chase in 43 overs, but to do it with one ball to spare... Everyone chipped in when they needed top. Brendon put us on the front foot and that made it easier for the guys coming in.

    "To stay calm like that and hit a six off the best bowler of the world. Its unbelievable."

    Corey Anderson
  37. Post update

    So, after four wins and two defeats in the group stage, and a cruise past Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals, it's all over for South Africa again.

  38. Post update

    Proteas reserve Wayne Parnell tries to console the tearful Morkel, while even AB de Villiers - a Superman of the modern game - seems to be welling up too. Maybe he's human after all.

    Coney's right - cricket can be a cruel game. For on an occasion like this, there has to be a winner and a loser.

    New Zealand are finally into a World Cup final at the seventh time of asking (in terms of semi-final appearances), and South Africa have a fourth unsuccessful appearance in the last four.

  39. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    BLACKCAPS: Six! We're in the final! Fair play to @OfficialCSA, that was a hell of a match

    Cricket South Africa: 6 and New Zealand win by 4 wickets. It's all over for the Proteas. Hard luck boys. We always stand behind the #ProteaFire

  40. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Marvellous scenes. You should see 40,000 people starting the party. I'm so sorry for South Africa.

    "Sport becomes cruel in these circumstances. Don't talk to me about choking. They have given everything they could and they tried hard. The rain cruelly prevented South Africa going any further in their innings.

    "What a fantastic game of cricket. It has captivated people, not just in the stadium, but around the world. It is a very good example of cricket."

  41. Final scorecard

    New Zealand 299-6 (42.5 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)

    Batsmen: Elliott 84, Vettori 7

    Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30), 5-252 (Anderson 58), 269-6 (Ronchi 8)

    Bowling figures: Steyn 9-0-76-1, Philander 8-0-52-0, Morkel 9-0-59-3, Tahir 9-1-40-0, Duminy 5-0-43-1, De Villiers 3-0-21-0

    South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  42. Post update

    The fireworks are set off around Eden Park, amid scenes of jubilation rarely seen there except at a packed rugby international. An astonishing game of cricket, players console each other, and Morne Morkel has even started shedding a few tears.

  43. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "He's put Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, into the stand, and South Africa have been denied again."

  44. Champagne moment

    New Zealand win by four wickets!

    Unbelievable! Steyn delivers and Elliott launches the ball high into the stands. Eden Park erupts. Elliott, the South African-born player has sent New Zealand through to their first World Cup final at the expense of his home country. What a game of cricket!

    New Zealand celebrate
  45. NZ 293-6

    Six to win outright. Five to go through with a tie. Swing, miss, they run a bye, keeper's throw misses the stumps, then Steyn's throw misses the other stumps. Five to win the match, but four to go through.

  46. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Maddy Raman: Duminy what are you doing? Never your catch. Sheer panic descending into both teams.

  47. NZ 292-6

    Vettori has been a hero for NZ so often through the years. Can he be again here? Steyn bowls a wide full toss and Vettori stabs at it and sends the ball spinning down to the boundary where it beats a diving fielder. And just like that, the game is the co-hosts to win again.

  48. Post update

    Physio on. If Steyn can't finish the over... Morkel and Tahir have bowled their allocation. Three bowlers can bowl nine and two can bowl no more than eight. Philander has bowled eight. So if Steyn can't bowl, it would have to be Duminy or De Villiers.

    But it looks like the old warhorse is up on his feet. 10 from four balls needed.

  49. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "It looks like cramp. Dale Steyn was off the field earlier as well. So far, it is advantage South Africa. Vettori is on strike and he can't afford to miss the ball. New Zealand need a four."

  50. Ouch!

    And now Steyn looks like he has cramp... it's all happening!

  51. NZ 288-6

    Elliott facing. Field shuffled - mid-off and mid-on up. A low full toss is punched to extra cover, they can only run one. 10 from four balls.

  52. NZ 287-6

    The last over. It is Steyn to deliver it. Six balls to decide this gripping semi-final. Vettori swings and misses from the first ball but they run and claim a bye. 11 needed off 5.

  53. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Excellent from Neil Manthorp. 'Berhardien and Duminy have played with each other from under-11 level. They grew up in the same part of Cape Town. When the needed to communicate, they couldn't.'"

  54. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I don't know whether it was the screaming crowd. Duminy must have known Behardien was there. It was a mistake, a chance lost, but South Africa are still in the game."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  55. Dropped catch

    NZ 286-6

    The Eden Park crowd are on their feet. 14 needed from seven, Elliott launches this one over deep square leg, and two fielders collide, wiping each other out as one tries to take the catch! Sub fielder Farhaan Behardien was under the catch and about to take it but JP Duminy came flying into him!

    Two runs taken - 12 needed from the last over. Effectively 11 for a tie. Dale Steyn to bowl!

    South Africa
  56. NZ 284-6

    New Zealand desperately need a boundary. They get one as well as Elliott smashes through the covers off the back foot. That keeps things firmly in the balance.

  57. NZ 280-6

    Vettori takes guard to Morkel. He steps across and books down to fine leg where some superb fielding from Steyn restricts them to one. 18 needed from eight.

  58. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former England captain Michael Vaughan: Loving this game. Great game. Whoever wins deserves it. Not having either team being called chokers if they lose.

  59. NZ 279-6

    Elliott adds another single with an ugly pull shot that he doesn't connect with but steers the ball to leg. Tense does not even begin to cover this.

  60. NZ 278-6

    Elliott on strike. He lofts the ball over the on side, three fielders converge but none of them can get there in time and they run two. 20 needed from 10.

  61. NZ 276-6

    Morkel goes around the wicket and Vettori clubs a full toss towards mid-wicket, where it is fielded. A single. 22 required off 11.

  62. NZ 275-6

    Last ball of the over. Elliott hits it straight to ABDV at mid-wicket and Vettori is nearly run out backing up. Dot ball. 23 from 12 needed.

    Or 22 to tie and go through - and send South Africa out in agonising 1999-style fashion.

  63. NZ 275-6

    Vettori chops a single to backward point, some great fielding by Rossouw prevents any further runs. 23 from 13.

  64. NZ 274-6

    A single brings Vettori on strike. 36 years young, can he see the Kiwis through? 24 from 14 needed.

  65. Close!

    NZ 273-6

    Elliott steers Steyn for two, then takes another risky second into the gap near the square leg umpire, but the throw is a little wild and De Kock can't take it cleanly. 25 needed from 15 balls.

  66. WICKET

    Ronchi c Rossouw b Steyn 8 (NZ 269-6)

    Dale Steyn to bowl - and strikes as Ronchi holes out at deep square leg! Send for Vettori...

    And while - correctly - the target is 298, we remind you that if New Zealand make 297, the match is tied but NZ go through as they finished higher in the group stage.

    Rossouw
  67. NZ 269-5 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Elliott whacks a single to mid-wicket where Amla does the fielding - but the bearded opener can't get to the next ball as Ronchi flicks it towards cow corner for four. However, some good fielding by Rossouw at long-on restricts them to a single off the last ball and means the Kiwis' requirement is 29 from 18 balls.

    Tension? Gotta love it.

  68. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Henry Ellison: I had a dream that New Zealand lost by five runs. Really hoping that I'm not right. Come on NZ!

  69. NZ 263-5

    Who to bowl? Four to go - Steyn has two, Philander, Morkel and Tahir have one apiece, while I doubt we'll see Duminy or De Villiers bowl again. It's leg-spinner Tahir who gets the nod. A Ronchi single is followed by two dot balls - 35 from 21.

  70. NZ 262-5 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Two more singles mean it's 10 off the over. 36 from 24 balls needed, and a lot now rests on Elliott, who has 62 from 60 balls. Can Ronchi stay with him, or will it be the fairytale ending for old man Vettori to come in and hit the winning runs?

  71. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Peter Archer: That bad run out miss by De Villiers will be the winning of the semi-final by New Zealand. Pivotal moment in this intriguing match.

  72. Six

    NZ 260-5

    Half-tracker, and Elliott launches it over one of the bigger boundaries, into the crowd behind mid-wicket. 38 from 26.

  73. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Emmanuel Kamara: A great game. New Zealand vs South Africa. Nerves will definitely go up for the last few overs but guess they can handle it.

    Mark Kelly: That wicket helps but it changes nothing. SA still need to take another one otherwise 46 in 30 is do-able.

  74. NZ 254-5

    De Villiers to bowl the last "part-time" over, and Elliott adds a single to bring the new man Luke Ronchi on strike. Wicket-to-wicket from De Villiers, Ronchi steers him down the ground for a single to long-on. 44 from 27 balls.

  75. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "You couldn't make it up. 'Wicket this ball,' says Graeme Swann, just before Corey Anderson skies the ball into the Auckland night. 'There was just too much pressure created by that over'."

  76. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "A fantastic over from Morkel. A bit of pace, a bit of bounce. Anderson missed a hook the ball before, but all he got was underneath it and the ball went very high."

    Corey Anderson
  77. Scorecard update - five overs to go

    New Zealand 252-5 (38 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)

    Batsmen: Elliott 54 from 57 balls (one six), Ronchi 0 from 0 balls

    Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30), 5-252 (Anderson 58)

    Bowling figures: Steyn 7-0-59-0, Philander 8-0-52-0, Morkel 8-0-48-3, Tahir 8-1-33-0, Duminy 5-0-43-1, De Villiers 2-0-11-0

    South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  78. WICKET

    Anderson c Du Plessis b Morkel 58 (NZ 252-4)

    And South Africa finally break the partnership - having dried up the runs with dot balls, Morkel fires in a bouncer which Anderson sends sailing into the stratosphere and there's snow on it by the time Faf du Plessis takes the catch. Or does he? There's a heart-rending couple of minutes while the umpires look at the replays - did the ball hit the wires of Spidercam? Apparently not - Anderson has to go.

    The stadium DJ plays Michael Jackson's "Thriller". 46 from 30 balls? I'd call that a thriller. But it may be "close to midnight" by the time this game finishes...

    Faf du Plessis
  79. How's stat?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "The highest successful run chase in any World Cup knockout game is the 289-4 Australia scored to beat New Zealand by six wickets in the quarter-final in Madras in 1996."

  80. NZ 252-4

    Tahir off, Morkel on as the skipper shuffles his front-line bowlers. With the game ebbing and flowing with nearly every delivery, the crowd is silenced after the Kiwis only manage a single off the first half of the over.

  81. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "It has been a very good partnership. New Zealand were in all kinds of trouble when Anderson came out to bat. They have worked it methodically to put themselves into this position. I'm enjoying this contest."

  82. Appeal - not out

    NZ 251-4

    ABDV needs to find two more fifth-bowler overs from somewhere - so he comes back on himself. There's an appeal for leg before as Elliott tries to swing across the line - it looked quite high, and South Africa have no reviews left.

    De Villiers fervently wipes the ball with a towel between deliveries as New Zealand keep plugging away with singles, but his last ball is too loose down the leg side and Anderson smashes it away for four through fine leg to bring up the century stand. 47 needed from 36 balls. Who's your money on?

  83. Elliott 50

    NZ 243-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    And now it's Elliott's turn to reach his half-century from a slightly slower 53 balls, lofting a four over extra cover. New Zealand are rather getting after Tahir here, and there is a feeling that the pendulum has swung Kiwi-wards. They need 55 from 42 balls.

    Grant Elliott
  84. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    On Twitter: Nobody is leaving Eden Park. It is an absolute thriller.

    The crowd in Auckland
  85. Anderson 50

    NZ 237-4

    It looks like South Africa want the ball changed - a tactic TMS legend Henry Blofeld refers to as "ballsmanship". After a brief visit from the fourth umpire and his attache-case full of additional spheres, the Proteas are told to get on with it. Imran Tahir back into the attack, but Anderson is in the zone now, smacking Tahir for a four square of the wicket before bringing up his fourth ODI fifty from 47 balls.

  86. NZ 231-4

    Anderson swipes Morkel wide of long-off, De Villiers gives chase and dives head first but can only succeed in pushing the ball onto the rope. A single means it's 12 from the over and Anderson (45 from 45 balls) is back on strike for the next over.

  87. Six

    NZ 225-4

    Big over needed, KP? Righty-ho - Elliott launches the first ball of Morkel's over for six over square leg. 73 from 53.

  88. NZ 219-4 (Steyn 7-0-59-0)

    Steyn to continue for his seventh over - he's allowed a maximum of nine today. Both sides are showing signs of nerves, whether running between the wickets hesitantly or nearly giving away overthrows, with every single potentially crucial. Elliott drives, it's in the air - but just wide of Du Plessis at short extra cover and they come back safely for two. Another single down the ground means both batsmen have 40 - Elliott from 49 balls, Anderson from 41. New Zealand need 79 from 54 balls. You'd have to be brave to call it definitively from here.

  89. How's stat?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    Corey Anderson is the first New Zealander to score 200 runs and take 10 wickets in a World Cup.

    The others to have done this are India's Kapil Dev (1983) and Yuvraj Singh (2011), South Africa's Lance Klusener (1999), Zimbabwe's Neil Johnson (1999), Canada's John Davison (2003) and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya (2003).

    Corey Anderson batting against South Africa
  90. NZ 213-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    A first-ball boundary takes some of the pressure off the batting side, and attaches it to the bowling unit. Anderson sees off the over before nicking the strike with a single.

    One of these two sides will reach their first ever World Cup final today. But who will it be?

  91. Powerplay

    NZ 212-4

    The batting powerplay is signalled - it's only four overs this one, because of the reduction in overs. Morne Morkel to bowl - and Anderson crashes the first ball through mid-off for four.

  92. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Dominic Walker: This game is being set up perfectly for Vettori to hit the winning runs.

    Mark Kelly: New Zealand very composed. They know they have the Powerplay and last few overs to smash the ball around.

    Rakesh Pradhan: Eight an over in the modern ODI game is nothing. take note England.

  93. NZ 208-4 (Elliott 37*, Anderson 33*)

    Steyn is bowling some serious heat here, but Elliott finds the gap with a back-cut which sails down towards third man, the lumbering Morne Morkel can't quite get to it and parries the ball onto the ropes for four.

  94. Not out

    NZ 204-4

    De Villiers tries to take the ball at the non-striker's end, with Elliott nowhere. But he drops the ball and knocks the bails off with his hand. Knowing that, as per the laws of cricket, he then has to pull up a stump, he overbalances and Anderson gets back.

    AB de Villiers
  95. Third umpire

    Hesitation between the wickets, Anderson is stranded down the pitch but have South Africa messed this up?

  96. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Prayags: Going by Australia's and India's current form I believe that the winner of this semi-final will be the losing finalist.

  97. NZ 203-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Captain AB de Villiers to bowl - can his gentle medium pace be a partnership-breaker, or just smuggle through an over or two to help Duminy complete his allocation? Elliott clips a single off his legs to take his side's score to 200. With no pace on the ball, New Zealand have to do the hard yards to work it around - four from the over pushes the required rate up to the verge of eight.

    And would you believe, on Duckworth-Lewis... the scores right now are nearly exactly level. While we don't anticipate more rain, it's a good guide as to who's on top.

  98. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Kuni Poonasamy: I don't understand South Africa bowling so short. I know the boundary is short straight but let the batsman take you on.

  99. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "If they keep going at a run a ball for the next three overs, they will need 80 runs off their last 10 overs. South Africa need a wicket soon. New Zealand are in a good position to launch."

  100. Scorecard update

    New Zealand 199-4 (30 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)

    Batsmen: Elliott 32 from 37 balls, Anderson 30 from 27 balls (two sixes)

    Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30)

    Bowling figures: Steyn 5-0-49-0, Philander 8-0-46-0, Morkel 5-0-30-2, Tahir 7-1-21-0, Duminy 5-0-43-1

    South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  101. NZ 199-4 (Steyn 5-0-49-0)

    And after that release of pressure, South Africa turn back to their pace spearhead Dale Steyn (and his mad, staring eyes). Elliott, who's getting a litlte bottled up at times, brings up the fifty partnership with a well-run three to deep extra cover. 99 more needed from 78 balls - 13 overs left, and Steyn can only bowl four.

  102. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "How are your nerves? Eden Park is alive once more, awoken by the spirit of Corey Anderson. For the first time in a little while, you feel the momentum is with New Zealand. The Auckland crowd knows it too."

  103. NZ 196-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    For the first time in this innings, we have spin at both ends as off-spinner JP Duminy returns. A lot of beards on show in this game... While Duminy boosts the score with a wide, his fifth over only yields four singles and a two until a knee-high full toss - shades of Steve Smith's bowling - is hammered for an 82m six over the bowler's head by Anderson. A much better over for the co-hosts.

    Corey Anderson
  104. Post update

    Neil Manthorp

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Only a couple of batsmen have been able to pick Imran Tahir in this World Cup. He is bowling with so much variety."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  105. NZ 183-4 (Tahir 7-1-21-0)

    Tahir bounces in, Corey Anderson - briefly the holder of the fastest ODI century title - doesn't look like he's dealing too well with the leg-spinner, only four singles are possible from the over - leaving the co-hosts needing 116 from 15 overs (90 balls).

  106. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jay: I'm amazed that people are writing off New Zealand. If they don't lose a wicket for four overs, I can see the South Africans panicking.

  107. NZ 179-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    The 12th men and the giants drinks bottle flee Eden Park, where South Africa have had a "huddle" and an intense pep-talk from captain AB de Villiers. Philander to bowl his eighth over - under the reduced-overs formula, no-one can bowl more than nine. Grant Elliott - born in South Africa, lest we forget - is getting a little bogged down at times, but waits to thread a four through the covers. A single off the last ball takes him to 25 from 28 balls... but with a required rate of nearly 7.5, he will have to get a shift on at some point.

  108. Drinks break

    NZ 174-4

    With the pacemen rotated at one end (Philander now with 0-47 from seven), the two spinners have been operating from the other end. Imran Tahir is back on in place of Duminy, he's quickly through his over and puts the brakes on with just a single from it. The players have earned some drinks - New Zealand need 124 from 17 overs.

  109. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Mark Pownall: Can't see New Zealand coming back from this now

    #RugbyLI: Huge wicket for the Proteas, Taylor gone. Gonna be tough for NZ now from here I reckon.

  110. NZ 173-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Anderson, who you can imagine as a burly woodcutter wielding a giant axe, again finds Philander difficult to get away for the first four balls - but then heaves a two towards cow corner, and then one swing of his mighty forearms later, a shorter delivery is hoisted into the crowd behind mid-wicket for six.

    We'd normally be at the halfway mark of the innings here - but if you weren't with us for the long rain delay earlier, this is now a 43-over game with Duckworth and Lewis having set New Zealand 298 to win.

    Corey Anderson
  111. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Richie O'HaraBeamand: With that wicket South Africa become favourites and we can drop the question of 'can they perform under pressure', battled back into this.

  112. NZ 165-4 (Elliott 19*, Anderson 10*)

    Elliott adds a single to bring the left-handed Anderson on strike against Duminy's off-spin. South Africa crowd him with a leg slip and a silly point, but Anderson fluently sweeps for four. A single takes him into double figures. The right-handed Elliott also powerfully sweeps for four, bisecting short fine leg and the man on the square leg boundary. 10 from the over.

  113. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "The run-rate is now over seven, for the first time since New Zealand took guard and McCullum did his pyrotechnic thing. New Zealand are starting to feel the weight on their shoulders a bit.

    "Anderson is normally a hitter. Is this situation going to prune that instinct? Pressure does funny things to you. South Africa sense that this game has changed."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  114. NZ 155-4 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Philander finds a bit of movement to discomfort Anderson, but after four dot balls, the beefy left-hander drills a fuller delivery for four back past the non-striker. That's the only scoring stroke from the over.

    The Black Caps need 143 from 120 balls, and the required rate is up to over seven. And good news for South Africa - Dale Steyn is back on the field.

  115. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Is that the ball game? Where once Eden Park was raucous, its hope is now slipping away. The noise is dimmed, there are plenty of orange shirts on seats, looking glum. South Africa are crushing the New Zealand dream."

  116. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Graeme Swann

    You can put your questions to Test Match Special pundit Graeme Swann now. Post them on Twitter to #askswanny. We will video his answers and put them online later.

  117. Post update

    Thanks, Phil. New Zealand reached the halfway point of their run chase almost exactly halfway through their allocation of overs - but then lost their fourth wicket. South Africa continue to rotate their pace trio at one end - Vernon Philander to bowl.

  118. Scorecard update

    New Zealand 151-4 (22 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)

    Batsmen: Elliott 14, Anderson 1

    Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6), 128-3 (Guptill 34), 149-4 (Taylor 30)

    Bowling figures: Steyn 4-0-46-0, Philander 5-0-35-0, Morkel 5-0-30-2, Tahir 5-1-16-0, Duminy 3-0-20-1

    South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  119. NZ 151-4 (Target 298 from 43 over)

    Corey Anderson, your time has come. Your team needs you. Duminy eases him to the crease with a wide down leg before the batsman gets off the mark with a back-foot drive into the off side. I'm taking my jumper and handing you over to Mark Mitchener, who will see this game through to its no-doubt dramatic conclusion.

  120. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "It turned just enough, and he followed it with half a bat. He tried to get it fine, but it was too fine and the wicketkeeper was involved.

    "It is a very big wicket for the South Africans. New Zealand are now into the hitting components of their line-up and South Africa will feel they have pulled the game back."

    Ross Taylor
  121. WICKET

    Taylor c De Kock b Duminy 30 (NZ 149-4)

    This changes things again. Duminy's delivery is spinning down leg but Taylor, in an attempt to flick it into the mid-wicket region, catches an edge that De Kock takes. The batsman doesn't even wait for the umpire's finger - he just walks off.

    JP Duminy
  122. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "This is a pitch where once you get in and feel comfortable, the shots and runs come. We saw that with Du Plessis, De Villiers and Rossouw in the South Africa innings."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  123. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    OptaJason: Brendon McCullum today became the second player after Nathan Astle to score 3,000 ODI runs in New Zealand.

  124. NZ 148-3 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Morkel takes over from Steyn (who is still off the pitch) and lets the side down by veering just slightly down leg to allow Elliott to flick the ball down to the fine leg boundary for four. The bowler corrects his line, though, and responds well, beating Elliott with a rising ball from just short of a length. 150 runs needed at 6.81 per over. They are one run ahead of Duckworth Lewis.

  125. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Joshua Edwards: Guptill showing he's nothing but average against non-second rate bowling and fielding.

    Sportsgamer: Taylor owes Guptill a few drinks after that run-out.

  126. NZ 143-3

    The concession is that four is Steyn's last act in the match (for a bit at least) as he leaves the pitch, presumably because of some unknown injury. He was moving OK so SA will be hoping it is nothing serious. Tahir continues and goes for just three runs as he looks to apply more pressure on the Kiwis. The spinner is bowling flat and proving a challenge.

  127. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ferdi Tjombe: The Duckworth-Lewis formula is outdated. Batsmen have evolved tremendously in the last few years.

  128. NZ 140-3 (Target 298 from 43 overs)

    South Africa smell blood. They know another wicket will give them a real foothold. Steyn is back and with the bit between his teeth. Knowing he has some amends to make, Taylor is the epitome of focus as he gets everything behind a couple of deliveries before whipping one to leg for two runs and then driving through wide mid-on for four.

  129. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ben Wear: NZ are choking!

  130. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Guptill didn't stop, he ran all the way off the field and down the tunnel without taking his helmet off. For the first time, New Zealand are behind on Duckworth-Lewis."

  131. NZ 133-3

    Grant Elliott is the new man. He has a big job to do here. He starts well with a paddle sweep to claim a boundary first ball off Tahir before taking a single to keep strike.

  132. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "The hesitation has cost Martin Guptill. He is the man in form and his run-out was so unnecessary. Ross Taylor looks distraught, but he needs to get over it quickly as there's still a lot of work to do. As soon as you have hesitation at this level it will cost you. They didn't need to do that."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  133. WICKET

    Guptill run out 34 (NZ 128-3)

    Oh, Martin what have you done? Taylor prods one into the off side and sets off for a run before stopping and starting again. Guptill responds to Taylor and hesitates and he has no chance of making it ahead of the throw to the keeper. Load gun, point at foot, shoot.

    Scorecard

    Martin Guptil
  134. NZ 128-2

    They might be in consolidation mode, but New Zealand are still going to look to pit away bad balls when they come. Guptill punches an on-drive from Philander down the ground for a boundary before Taylor gets a four of his own with a whip to leg that a sliding fielder pushes over the rope. Four additional singles make it a very good over for the Black Caps.

  135. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    West Indies opener Chris Gayle: Flying home to my beautiful girl 'Jamaica' she's the best ever!!!!

    Gayle flight
  136. NZ 116-2 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    It is all about wickets now. SA really want them and NZ are desperate to make sure they don't get them. It is resulting in a tense period of consolidation for the chasing side, who work Tahir around for three singles.

  137. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Sam Wilson: That was a ridiculous knock from Brendon McCullum. I bet it made Steven Finn feel better about himself though.

  138. NZ 113-2 (Guptill 26, Taylor 16)

    Philander's first ball is a beauty, which pitches just outside leg before seaming away from Guptill and turns him inside out. Guptill makes contact with the following ball to push it into cover for a single but Taylor is tied at the striker's end for the remainder as New Zealand stay just narrowly ahead of the Duckworth Lewis par score.

  139. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Fenners: Surely Duckworth-Lewis needs amending, as it's based on old stats, game is totally different now. NZ should have to chase more.

  140. NZ 112-2

    Tahir gets another turn in the South Africa attack after his one-over spell earlier in the innings, during McCullum's blitz. Some good running from New Zealand brings Taylor two from a little push to leg. He gets another run with a second prod to leg before Guptill sweeps his way to a run of his own. It is steady, sensible stuff from the Kiwis.

  141. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Charles: Can somebody please explain how NZ have to score 17 more runs than SA in the same number of balls/overs?

    Briefly, from the FAQs on the official Duckworth-Lewis website:

    "When the interruption occurs during the first innings, so that the match is shortened to one of fewer overs per side than it was at its start, Team 1 are usually more disadvantaged than Team 2. Before the stoppage they had been pacing their innings in the expectation of receiving say 50 overs... Team 2, on the other hand, know from the start of their innings that they have the reduced number of overs and can pace their innings accordingly. Team 2 are set a higher target to compensate Team 1 for this disadvantage."

  142. NZ 107-2 (Guptill 23, Taylor 13)

    AB de Villiers hosted a very calm team-talk during that drinks break, in which Steyn also had a prominent say. Can they put whatever they discussed into practice and swing this match in their favour? Philander's over is a good one as he concedes just the three runs.

  143. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Guptill will know he only averages 11 against South Africa, but coming into this game he has just scored a hundred and then a 200 and that's a good place to be."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  144. NZ 104-2 (Run-rate 8.66, required 6.25)

    That Guptill six is the highlight of the over - and a shot that pretty much gets New Zealand all the runs they need from the over to match the required run-rate. Four other singles are just a bonus to the co-hosts. And that is drinks - and a much-needed regroup for SA.

  145. Six

    NZ 101-2

    The New Zealand 100 is up courtesy of a huge Guptill six that he clatters high over mid-wicket off Duminy.

  146. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "The World Cup deserves a close match. We have got a full house. The run rate is 6.40 and with the dimensions of this ground that is not too hard to get. The easiest thing to do when chasing is to look at Duckworth-Lewis and keep up with that to take off the pressure."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  147. NZ 94-2

    Ross taylor has started well. He slap cuts a short Morkel ball for four through cover before controlling a steer past slip and down to third man before Guptill is tested by a rising ball that beats his outside edge. New Zealand are now looking to play balls on merit after McCullum's dismissive, smash everything approach.

  148. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "It is almost as if we're playing a different sport since McCullum fell. Was it a needless stroke? It's hard to say when he was flaying the bowling in such a destructive manner. Now with Williamson gone too, South Africa are on top and the crowd deflated."

  149. Scorecard update

    New Zealand 88-2 (10 overs) - target 298 from 43 overs (D/L adjusted)

    Batsmen: Guptill 12*, Taylor 5*

    Fall of wickets: 71-1 (McCullum 59), 81-2 (Williamson 6)

    Bowling figures: Steyn 3-0-39-0, Philander 2-0-19-0, Morkel 3-0-19-2, Tahir 1-1-0-0, Duminy 1-0-7-0

    South Africa 281-5 (43 overs); Du Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Anderson 3-72.

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  150. NZ 88-2 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    This is interesting. JP Duminy is into the South Africa attack. He concedes three singles from his first three balls before Taylor sweeps a wayward ball down to the fine leg boundary for four.

  151. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    James Cooper: Swanny thinking 298 is 'easily gettable' at this ground - did he not see the NZ run chase v Australia or the SA run chase v Pakistan?

  152. NZ 81-2

    Ross Taylor spent much of Martin Guptill's 237 not out at the other end and he is out again to accompany the opener. He fends off Morkel's last ball.

  153. WICKET

    Williamson b Morkel 6 (NZ 81-2)

    The game takes another turn. A ball after pulling a Morkel ball for four, Morkel gets instant revenge as the batsman looks to pull another short ball but instead edges the ball on to his own stumps.

    Scorecard

    South Africa celebrate
  154. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    OptaJim:15 - Brendon McCullum's 59 came from 15 scoring shots. Carnage.

    Brendon McCullum
  155. NZ 77-1 (Guptill 10, Williamson 2)

    Suddenly, South Africa look a threat. Philander is back after being taken out of the attack to protect him from McCullum. He beats Guptill with a ball just short of a length outside off. Guptill responds well, though, by whipping a full ball down to the backward square-leg boundary. In al the McCullum madness it was somewhat forgotten that the man at the other end scored 237 not out in his last match.

  156. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "The South Africans know what they have to do. Guptill came into this game under a lot of pressure as people were talking about him before the game and this is a big innings for him and for New Zealand."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  157. How's stat?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Most sixes in the first 10 overs in this World Cup: 17 by Brendon McCullum, six by Chris Gayle. No-one else has more than three.

    "There have been nine fifties scored off 22 or fewer balls in World Cup matches. McCullum has made four of them.

    "McCullum has scored 278 of his 328 runs in this World Cup in boundaries (44 x 4, 17 x 6). This is 84.75% of his runs."

  158. NZ 72-1 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Kane Williamson is the new man. His arrival brings a new complexion to the game. McCullum was making this chase look simple, but now the co-hosts will need to reassess and consolidate. Morkel bowls well to the right-hander, who manages just the one run from the remainder of the over.

  159. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "He has definitely set the platform for these guys to churn out what would be an incredible victory. It was just a brilliant knock from McCullum and he has brought the Eden Park crowd on to their feet."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  160. WICKET

    McCullum c Steyn b Morkel 59 (NZ 71-1)

    Would you believe it?! It is all going off in Auckland. McCullum plays one big shot too many and he mis-times a pull off Morkel straight to Dale Steyn at mid-on. After the pummelling McCullum gave Steyn a couple of overs ago, it would be fair to say the bowler enjoyed that catch. Eden Park rises to applaud the home skipper off.

    Scorecard

  161. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "The atmosphere here is amazing. What a place to be. We have seen some knocks but this is incredible batting. He has swung from ball one and he is hitting the ball out of the ground.

    "Some batters have the skill to walk out there and just swing. He has such a good eye. These are not mis-hits, it is great skill. Wow, wow, wow. The bowler is running in wondering where is the batsman going to go? It is such a party atmosphere. You have guys dancing on the tables."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

    Simon Mann and Kevin Pietersen on TMS
  162. NZ 71-0

    Having survived the review, Guptill sees out the over for no further runs. NZ are well on top here.

  163. Not out

    NZ 71-0

    Unbelievable! The review goes through the checklist and it looks like we might be getting an overturn of the on-field man's not out call. But the review of the ball's trajectory shows it is clearing the stumps. Guptill survives and the SA review is gone.

  164. Umpire review

    AB de Villiers has to do something to break this up. He opts for his spin option in Imran Tahir and he prompts a review with one that catches Guptill on the arm as he gets down to sweep.

  165. NZ 71-0 (Guptill 6, McCullum 59)

    Dale Steyn is one of the world's best bowlers. And Brendon McCullum has just treated him like he is a Sunday league nobody. Three fours and two sixes (along with a wide) means the over goes for 25. New Zealand are tearing the target apart.

  166. 50 for McCullum

    NZ 63-0

    McCullum is simply a machine. Not content with making Steyn look ordinary with that six, he then makes him look a mug by latching on to a short ball to hammer a four before pulling another six over backward point to reach his 50. Off just 22 balls. Stunning.

  167. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "What a sight it is. Dale Steyn one of the best bowlers in the world is charging in, and Brendon McCullum smashes it straight back over his head."

  168. Six

    NZ 52-0

    That is the biggest six of the lot. McCullum comes down the track and launches Steyn high, high, high into the stand behind the bowler. The NZ 50 comes up, off just 25 balls.

  169. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Ian Smith wanders into the box to give New Zealanders some good news. They actually only need 297 to make the final. A tie sees them through because of their better group placing. South Africa were done by this rule in the famous 1999 semi against Australia."

  170. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Chris Hill: While I'm backing the @BLACKCAPS, will SA be robbed by rain-as they were in 92?

    Bhavin Shah: Rain during a South African cricket semi-final down under - demons of 1992 lurking around!

  171. NZ 46-0 (McCullum 35, Guptill 6)

    Philander is withdrawn after his expensive opening over - not the best of returns for the seamer. On comes Morne Morkel, but he gets exactly the same treatment as the man he replaced with McCullum rocking back and pummelling his first ball over mid-on for a one-bounce four. McCullum then pulls another later in the over, doesn't catch it but still gets a boundary. Guptill then gets in on the action with a superbly-timed flick through mid-wicket for a third four from the over. These two are taking no prisoners and it is putting the pressure squarely on South Africa.

  172. NZ 32-0 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    McCullum takes over from Guptill and hammers Steyn over mid-off with a back-foot swipe. It was just a fraction too short and wide and straight into one of the Kiwi skipper's strongest areas.

  173. NZ 27-0

    Guptill taps one to off and sets off before having to scurry back to make his ground from a throw from cover. If it hits he is out. It doesn't, though, and Guptill ends up getting his run from over-throws.

  174. Post update

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Highest total in a World Cup semi-final (either team) is 293-6 - West Indies v Pakistan, The Oval, 1979 .

    "Highest total in a World Cup semi-final batting second is 264-6 by Pakistan v NZ at Auckland 1992 (won)."

  175. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "When a player gets after you, as McCullum is trying to do, you can try to be funky with your bowling and try new things. But the ball hitting the outside of off stump, no matter what is happening in the match, will always be the most dangerous. New Zealand are off to a cracking start here."

    Brendan McCullum loses a shoe
  176. NZ 26-0 (Guptill 1, McCullum 21)

    We all remember how McCullum made such light work of England's admittedly meagre total in the pool stages. Ominously for South Africa, he is hitting the ball just as cleanly here. He takes Philander for another four with a short pull down to deep backward square-leg.

  177. NZ 18-0

    McCullum's early innings assault continues as he is gifted four byes off Vernon Philander's first ball before pulling a six and then a four over and through mid-wicket respectively.

  178. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "Some shape straight away. Dale Steyn was swinging it in his warm-up and his first ball to Guptill was an absolute peach."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

    Bryan Waddle and Graeme Swann
  179. NZ 8-0 (target 298 from 43 overs)

    Martin Guptill's next innings after that 237 almost ends first ball from Dale Steyn as he gets a thick outside edge that loops the ball just past the man at backward point. The run from that ball brings McCullum to the striker's end and he takes a look at Steyn for a couple of balls before launching the third over the extra-cover boundary for six. Just a small insight into the destructive power of one of one-day cricket's most potent openers.

  180. 'One of the best innings ever'

    If you were not fortunate enough to witness Martin Guptill's World Cup record score of 237 not out as it happened, you missed out on one of the most entertaining and incredible innings of all time. It is also one of the best, according to New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

    "Sublime, just sublime," was how Black Caps skipper McCullum described Guptill's effort. "I will never forget it. The innings we witnessed is probably one of the best we have seen in this format."

    The innings is even more stunning for the fact that he amassed his score (which accounted for 60% of his side's 393 total) in just 163 balls, hitting 11 sixes and 24 fours. He alone scored 92 of the 153 New Zealand added in the last 10.

  181. Post update

    Martin Guptill
  182. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jay: 298 (less than seven runs per over) isn't fair. New Zealand would be chasing close to 7.5 RPO for all of 50 overs had the innings not been curtailed.

    Brian Simpson: It is going to be a great chase. Set up to be a belting climax to a great semi-final. South Africa to win now I think.

  183. Post update

    Thanks Mitch. Well, the rain has put New Zealand in the box-seat here. South Africa were accelerating nicely to a score well in advance of 300 before the heavens opened. Now, the mystical mathematics of Duckworth Lewis means the co-hosts are chasing 298 for victory. The players are back out already. Game on.

  184. Post update

    After that long rain delay, we only get 10 minutes between innings - so time to hand you back to Phil Dawkes to talk you through New Zealand's reply.

  185. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "New Zealand will think 298 is easily gettable. This ground is such a postage stamp and once players get going you can score 15 or 16 an over. So much depends on what start they get."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  186. Post update

    New Zealand pace bowler Trent Boult: "Credit to the South Africa batsman to push on to 280 plus. It will take some chasing but we feel we can do it. There were a few nerves there - that is what 45,000 people will do to you - but it is what it is. We are familiar with this ground and it is up to us now."

  187. Duckworth-Lewis target

    New Zealand must score 298 in 43 overs according to Duckworth-Lewis.

  188. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "With the way De Villiers was batting, with such authority, New Zealand could have been facing a much bigger total. We wait to see what it will be rounded up to, but some of the overs from the fifth bowler have gone because of the rain. So New Zealand have been a trifle fortunate."

  189. Post update

    De Villiers had 60 from 38 balls when it rained. He finished on 65 from 45, so only faced seven balls in the last five overs.

  190. End-of-innings scorecard

    South Africa 281-5 (43 overs)

    Batsmen: De Villiers 65*, Duminy 8*

    Fall of wicket: 21-1 (Amla 10), 31-2 (De Kock 14), 114-3 (Rossouw 39), 217-4 (Du Plessis 82), 272-5 (Miller 49)

    Bowling figures: Southee 9-1-55-0, Boult 9-0-53-2, Henry 8-2-40-0, Vettori 9-0-46-0, Williamson 1-0-5-0, Elliott 1-0-9-0, Anderson 6-0-72-3

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  191. SA 281-5 (De Villiers 65*, Duminy 6*)

    Anderson strays with a wide - that's an extra delivery. Duminy skies the ball over Nathan McCullum and they run a two to deep extra cover. Last ball... Duminy bashes a two towards cow corner and South Africa finish on 281-5.

    We await an adjusted Duckworth-Lewis target for New Zealand to chase.

  192. Dropped catch

    SA 276-5

    Left-hander JP Duminy hooks and misses. Dot. He's then dropped as the ball sails through the fingertips of the leaping substitute fielder Nathan McCullum at cover, and away for four.

  193. WICKET

    Miller c Ronchi b Anderson 49 (SA 272-5)

    No - Miller is caught behind one short of his half-century. Even better for New Zealand, it's a dot ball.

    Scorecard

  194. Six

    SA 272-4

    Corey Anderson to bowl the last over, Miller clears his front leg to lash the ball over long-on for six. 49 from 17 balls, can he equal McCullum?

  195. SA 266-4 (De Villiers 65*, Miller 43*)

    Yorkers are underrated in modern cricket, it's as much as De Villiers can do to drag it out of the blockhole down to long-off for a single. Miller swings and misses and they run a bye, he now has 43 from 16. Last ball of the penultimate over, De Villiers fences at a short ball, misses and so it's seven off the over.

  196. SA 264-4

    A single means Miller won't threaten De Villiers' ODI record of a 16-ball fifty - but he could still overtake Brendon McCullum's World Cup record of 18 balls. De Villiers pulls and misses at a lifter.

  197. SA 263-4

    Miller clubs Southee back past the stumps for four - he has 42 from 14 balls. And to think New Zealand were worried about De Villiers...

  198. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Shak: This is totally disadvantaging one team. I do not know any other sport where this would occur. Major game just play it out. Cricket still in the dark ages.

  199. Six

    SA 259-4

    De Villiers can only rotate the strike, but Miller keeps blasting away, with a flat six over the bowler's head and then an enormous one into the second tier of the stand behind mid-wicket. A single mean it's 20 off the over.

    Don't forget, at the end of this innings in two overs' time, we'll get a Duckworth-Lewis-adjusted target.

  200. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Raj: I always wonder when it comes to South Africa's knockout games the rain gods are always key players!

    Fans under rain macs at the cricket
  201. SA 245-4

    Miller continues to pepper the Eden Park boundary ropes, swiping Anderson for four over third man, while the left-armer is charged with an aerial wide when he tries a bouncer. A single brings De Villiers back on strike for the first time in an over and a half.

  202. SA 239-4

    After Miller can't connect with a bouncer, he whacks his third four of the over through long-off, and incredibly finds the boundary for the fourth time with some good placement, just wide of the diving McCullum at mid-off. The last ball is swung through mid-wicket for a single - Miller took 17 from the over, but handily for New Zealand, De Villiers has been kept off strike.

  203. SA 230-4

    Tim Southee, we think, will bowl the two remaining overs from the other end - if you've just joined us, this is now a 43-over match because of rain. Southee goes round the wicket to the left-hander, Miller blasts an attempted yorker back past the bowler's right hand for four. Southee goes back over the wickets, and Miller fences at a wide delivery - that disappears for four through third man.

  204. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Liam Poss: This isn't how a semi-final should be decided, especially with a reserve day in place. New Zealand have to be favourites now.

  205. SA 222-4 (De Villiers 63*, Miller 3*)

    David Miller is off the mark straight away, clubbing his first ball for two. A single brings AB de Villiers back on strike - he swats one over the covers, where the sweeper Grant Elliott cuts off the boundary and they run two. Six runs and a wicket off the over - better than New Zealand may have hoped for?

  206. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "There was a deviation. A review remains as it was a successful review for New Zealand. We have David Miller, a powerful left-hander, coming in. He does not worry about grace or style."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  207. WICKET

    Du Plessis c Ronchi b Anderson 82 (SA 217-4)

    It's a bouncer down the leg side, this will either be a catch or a wide, but the snickometer shows a big deflection and Du Plessis departs.

    Scorecard

  208. Umpire review

    New Zealand appeal for a catch behind against Faf du Plessis as he tries to hook a bouncer. A wide is signalled - but the Kiwis think it's out and call for a review...

    New Zealand's Corey Anderson appeals
  209. Post update

    Players are out to resume proceedings at Eden Park. Corey Anderson to bowl - having only bowled three so far, he may well have to bowl all three remaining overs from his end.

  210. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    How would you change one-day cricket?

    Sportsgamer: Allow one more fielder outside the circle, limit bowlers to 15 overs each to even up the balance.

  211. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "When Mike Hussey and I started playing, 270 was seen as an incredible score. With Twenty20 you then got 200 off 20 overs, and teams have doubled that in 50 overs. If they keep the fielding restrictions like this, and with small boundaries, some team will score 500. I just hope it is not when England are bowling."

  212. Post update

    Five minutes to resumption. Three bowlers can bowl nine overs, and two can bowl eight - so Trent Boult (9-0-53-2) and Daniel Vettori (9-0-46-0), who have already bowled their nine, are done for the day.

  213. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "There's a lot of waiting around here, we could have easily started 10 minutes ago. In other news, Rahul Dravid wears his accreditation like a cape. He's cool enough to pull it off. The other type of Batman."

  214. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "With these fielding restrictions, the 50-over game is so geared towards the batsmen. They need to get rid of these ridiculous fielding restrictions to make it better. The first three or four years of my one-day international career, it worked and I loved it. I understand why they made the fielding restrictions and they changed them but it was too skewed in favour of the batsmen."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  215. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    How would you change one-day cricket?

    Jonny Iland: One-day cricket needs less rules and regulations to make it easier to understand, more watchable, and a fairer contest between bat and ball. 40 overs each, the captain can set his field wherever he wants, and bowl any bowler as many overs as he wants... batsmen don't have to retire on 100, why should a fielding captain be forced to take off his best bowler?

  216. Post update

    So to confirm - play will resume at 05:45 GMT, with South Africa (on 216-3 from 38 overs) facing five more overs. New Zealand will then chase a DL-adjusted target over 43 overs.

    Rainbow above Eden Park
  217. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Neel: A World Cup semi shouldn't be influenced by rain - D/L will give a clear advantage to NZ here.

  218. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn: This is a major showcase event. With a reserve day in place just play the game out. Why stop at 10pm. Crazy rules.

  219. Post update

    Covers are now fully off and it's looking very encouraging. South Africa will have five more overs to face when they resume - while Duckworth and Lewis will then adjust the target.

  220. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris: I wonder if SA will read their Duckworth Lewis sheet correctly this time? #hopenot

  221. Post update

    Restart in 20 minutes' time - match reduced to 43 overs per side.

  222. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    Does Monty Panesar have a chance of playing for England this summer?

    "He's had a few off-field problems but if he starts the season well, he could be in contention. If you're picking players on merit, and he takes 30 wickets in the first five or six games, you've got to consider him."

  223. Post update

    Mike Hussey

    Ex-Australia batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    The TMS talk has moved on to England and the summer Ashes series against Australia.

    "I feel for England during this World Cup, and that's coming from an Aussie. Eoin Morgan is a good guy, but sometimes that's the way it goes. But they are a proud bunch of players and it is not hard to get up for the Ashes.

    "It is going to be a great series. Australia go there with confidence but I would not be taking England lightly or writing them off so I can't wait to see it."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  224. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    How would you change one-day cricket?

    Chris from London: I like a suggestion by Michael Holding once, to play two innings of 25 overs each that way if you fail in the first you can have a chance to redeem yourself in the second and it takes away any tedious middle overs because they're practically a 20 over contest each innings.

  225. Post update

    Mike Hussey

    Ex-Australia batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "This is a real body blow for South Africa. They knew they had so much power at the back end, it was set up perfectly and they will be so disappointed they will not get all of their last 12 overs. I'm pretty sure not even Duckworth-Lewis can score as fast as AB de Villiers!"

  226. Post update

    If you're just waking up in the UK, the players have been off for around an hour and a half in Auckland. Covers have come on and off a couple of times and we're waiting for any news of a reduced-overs game.

  227. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "It may be that South Africa come out and bat for something like four overs, but we think their innings may be over."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  228. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Chas Pope: The English may be long gone but British-style weather is still having an impact on this tournament.

  229. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "There's some South Africa coaching staff on the outfield. Rain easing, but not stopped, sky definitely brighter. Fewer umbrellas up in the crowd. Prospects of play increasing. And... covers coming off, huge cheer inside Eden Park."

  230. That's a record

    News has reached us of an astonishing innings in New Zealand's Plunket Shield, where Auckland's Colin Munro has smashed 281 from 167 balls against Central Districts - including 17 fours and no fewer than 23 sixes.

    That shatters the previous first-class record of 16, held by Andrew Symonds (Gloucestershire v Glamorgan at Abergavenny 1995), Graham Napier (Essex v Surrey at Croydon 2011), Jesse Ryder (New Zealand v Australia A at Brisbane 2011), and Mukhtar Ali (Rajshahi Division v Chittagong Division at Savar in 2014).

    Good news for Worcestershire fans - Munro is coming back to you this year to play in the T20 Blast.

    Colin Munro, batting for Auckland Aces against Otago Volts in November 2014
  231. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    We are having some England-Australia banter in the TMS commentary box.

    "I always enjoyed the build-up to the Ashes. It is ridiculous with the trash talk. You always know Glenn McGrath will somewhere say that Australia will win it 5-0. It will soon come where it is all 11 players from both sides head-to-head like at a boxing weigh-in. You can't take it seriously."

  232. Post update

    Mike Hussey

    Ex-Australia batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "I sledged two guys in my life. The first one made 150 and the second one made 200 so I retired from sledging very early on."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  233. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Sam Wilson: Starting to feel like the Black Caps' name is on Cricket World Cup. This game was getting away from them but now they can regroup.

  234. Post update

    Mike Hussey

    Ex-Australia batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    On his role as a consultant for the South Africa side:

    "I've been observing, watching training, building relationships with the players, talking about different conditions. I feel privileged to be invited in. It's an amazing environment in South Africa.

    "There are no big egos and they treat each other like a family. It is part of the Australia culture where there were big personalities and big egos, but this is different. I'm not saying one is better than the other."

  235. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    The International Cricket Council: We are now losing overs from this match, so Duckworth Lewis will come into play when the rains stops & conditions allow play. Everything possible will be done to get a completed match today, although there is a reserve day in the schedule.

  236. Post update

    The TMS crew have been joined by former Australia batsman Mike Hussey, who played with Graeme Swann for Northants if I recall correctly.

    Graeme Swann and Mike Hussey on TMS
  237. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "There's a rumour going around that, if the game is reduced to 20 overs, New Zealand would chase 167. They'd bite your hand off for that. Shades of Sydney 1992 for South Africa?"

  238. Post update

    We've passed the hour mark in terms of how long the players have been off at Eden Park. If they've not done already, I'd suggest they must be losing overs now.

    If this isn't confusing... if they can get a 20-over game in today (ie South Africa's innings would be over, and New Zealand would face a revised target to chase from 20 overs), they will. But if not even 20 more overs are possible, we'll all be back tomorrow - when the game will resume as normal with SA's 39th over. Clear?

  239. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    How would you change one-day cricket?

    Michael Turkington: Remove the 10-over-per-bowler limit. Why can one batsman bat 50 overs yet a bowler can only bowl a fifth of the innings?

  240. Post update

    Neil Manthorp

    BBC Test Match Special

    "It is very miserable. Very depressing. The rain has got heavier. It is very bleak among the sell-out crowd."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  241. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Rain heavier. Michael Fish, news at 10."

  242. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Chris Mac: Had a coffee one over before the rain came and then tried to nap until they were back on, failed miserably.

    Gareth Taylor: Slow start from SA, but definitely found their tempo now. Currently sitting in a very wet Eden Park. Like being home in Wales.

  243. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "And now back on. Covers hokey-cokey."

  244. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Covers are coming off."

  245. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Duckworth-Lewis will not take into account the AB de Villiers factor. He will score faster than whatever numbers computers throw out.

    "It is compelling seeing a captain wanting to attack, bowlers who can take wickets and the batsmen smashing them."

  246. Post update

    An interesting point Neil Manthorp makes with regard to possible Duckworth-Lewis calculations. While it takes into account that South Africa's innings has only lasted 38 of a possible 50 overs, it doesn't take into account that if they did come back on for the full 50, five of the last 12 overs would have to be bowled by a combination of the "fifth bowler" - Anderson, Elliott and Williamson. Harsh to call them part-timers?

  247. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "In these situations I always feel sorry for the stewards asked to guard the outfield from invaders. There's seven of them out there at the minute, dressed in fluorescent orange coats, all looking pretty hacked off. They form a circle around the white sheets that covers the wicket. Are they guarding against pitch invaders? Surely even intruders prefer to stay dry?"

  248. Post update

    Still no let-up in the rain at Eden Park, which has kept the players off for more than 40 minutes. It's been persistent rather than heavy, but TMS's Neil Manthorp thinks it's nearly stopped...

    Fans at the cricket
  249. Post update

    Neil Manthorp

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Swanny, I reckon you could be onto something when you suggested AB de Villiers may have done something to his hair. It definitely has a reddish tinge today. One of his friends Jacques Kallis has led the way there."

  250. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    On TMS, our pundits have been discussing potential new additions to the England squad this summer.

    "There are fast bowlers in England. Stuart Meaker at Surrey. Tymal Mills is as quick as anyone I have ever played. We played against Essex in a warm-up game, I tried to pull it and it hit me on the arm before I knew about it.

    "He is raw, but he has the most beautiful action. But Essex wouldn't play him in the County Championship and he moved to another county (Sussex). I would have him involved for England."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  251. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    How would you change one-day cricket?

    DrHolmes: Fielders anywhere, anytime. Leave to the captains' imagination. Two new balls is a farce. Contest between bat and ball must be even.

  252. Post update

    Graeme Swann - clearly a fan of 40-over rather than 50-over cricket - points out on TMS that the reason England's domestic one-day competition was changed from 50 overs to 40 overs last summer was because it was cited as a reason for the national side's poor World Cup performances that domestic and international formats didn't match.

  253. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jay: NZ Plan A: Play well, choke SA. NZ Plan B: Pray to the rain gods for two days, do the secret rain dance, proceed to the finals.

  254. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Australia's Achilles heel at the moment is the spin bowling area. We have Xavier Doherty who does a decent job for us in one-day cricket. But we have a lot of decent fast bowlers.

    "Against India we fancy our chances. MS Dhoni has revitalised himself through the World Cup, he lifted his game and dragged a few of the others with him. But our guys will feel comfortable about winning."

    Australia play India in the second semi-final on Thursday. Our live commentary will begin at 03:00 GMT on Thursday.

  255. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Seany Ekon: Rain no good not now. Why? 1) breaks our momentum, 2) It is 4am UK time, 3) Don't know when the rain will stop? To sleep or not to?

  256. Post update

    Some news from Australia: Former Queensland and Victoria batsman Matthew Mott has been named as the new head coach of the Australian women's team, taking over on 30 March on a three-year contract - and his first task will be preparing them for this summer's Women's Ashes in England.

    He replaces Southern Stars legend Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who recently announced she was stepping down after winning the 2013 World Cup and back-to-back World Twenty20 titles.

    Mott, better known in the UK for a three-year spell coaching Glamorgan, has coached New South Wales to Sheffield Shield, Big Bash and Champions League T20 titles.

    Matthew Mott
  257. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "I heard how when Allan Donald became South Africa's bowling coach, they went for a middle practice and AB de Villiers told him to go down to third man as he was going to hit every ball there, and wanted to practice that skill. Dale Steyn and the other bowlers were bowling inswinging bouncers and everything, but he just hit every ball to third man."

  258. It's raining

    If you're waking, bleary-eyed, from your slumber back in the UK, I'm afraid the players have been off for rain for around 20 minutes, with South Africa 216-3 after 38 overs - with Faf du Plessis (82 from 106 balls) and AB de Villiers (60 from 38) having amassed a century stand.

    South Africa's AB de Villiers (L) and Faf du Plessis celebrate their 100 run partnership during his Cricket World Cup semi final against New Zealand in Auckland
  259. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    How would you change one-day cricket?

    George Brann: As great as seeing 350-400 runs per innings, it hasn't been a real bat vs bowl contest apart from the first 15 overs. Needs to be evened up.

  260. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn: The Black Caps will be happy for the rain. Game was slipping away. The world's best batsman AB de Villiers putting on a show.

    Ex-Australia batsman Matthew Hayden: AB de Villiers looking dangerous. Rain break has come at the right time for New Zealand who have been kissed the entire tournament.

  261. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "The rain caught us a little off guard - mizzly at first, but heavier now. It's dark, fans are leaving the stands. The longer the delay, the better it is for New Zealand, so long as they get back on today. If they don't, South Africa bat on tomorrow."

    Each knockout game has a reserve day - but they'll try to finish the match today if they can (even if it's reduced to a 20-over thrash).

    Rain stops play
  262. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    While the rain continues, Graeme Swann on TMS has called for a switch to 40 overs rather than 50 for one-day cricket, to eliminate the occasional tedium of the middle overs.

    With all this chat about four or five fielders outside the ring, and two new balls, what would be your formula for one-day cricket? Email, text or tweet us with your suggestions.

  263. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I'd allow that fifth fielder out straight away, as now there's always a quadrant of the pitch you can't protect. I was speaking to Shane Warne, he thinks you should be able to set your field anywhere."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

    Test Match special
  264. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    On Twitter: Just what NZ need with De Villiers on the charge, a breather.

    Auckland covers
  265. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "Brendon McCullum will be saying 'they have played well, but don't panic. Whatever score they post, we will chase it'. New Zealand will be a bit deflated after such a great start but it gives New Zealand the chance to get their heads up and for McCullum to give his side a pep talk."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  266. Post update

    Two lots of covers now being stretched across Eden Park's drop-in pitch.

  267. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "New Zealand will have wanted to go off so they can regroup in the dressing room. There are a few jeers and boos around the crowd. But the Kiwis that know their cricket will be quite happy."

  268. Post update

    An enormous green tractor brings on the covers - I'd imagine South Africa will be the more disappointed of the two sides that play has been interrupted.

  269. Rain stops play

    SA 216-3

    Uh-oh. Umpires having a conference... and choose to stay on... and then change their minds and Ian Gould waves the players off.

  270. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "There is some definite rain in the air. It is misty rain, rugby weather. But I can't see any dark grey clouds. South Africa will not want to lose a wicket if we are to have a rain delay."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  271. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Has Kane Williamson just dropped the World Cup? You certainly don't want to be giving De Villiers too many lives, not when the next three balls go for 14. 'He's not even trying to bat quickly,' says Neil Manthorp."

  272. SA 216-3 (Boult 9-0-53-2)

    Anderson off, New Zealand's go-to man Trent Boult back on for his ninth over. TMS's Graeme Swann has noticed rain in the air - with Bryan Waddle mischievously suggesting that if it rains for two days, New Zealand would go through as (under competition rules) they finished higher in the group stage. For now, play continues and South Africa are closing on a century stand as De Villiers leans back to guide another four through third man, while taking singles at will. His pal Du Plessis joins in the fun with a well-timed four back past the non-striker.

  273. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Naveed Afzal: I seriously need to get a few hours of sleep but it's the ABDV show. WHAT A PLAYER. Faf has been brilliant minus that poor call.

  274. SA 204-3 (Du Plessis 76*, De Villiers 54*)

    Bouncer from Southee, a top edge from De Villiers but the luck is with him as the ball skies over mid-wicket and it falls safely between two onrushing fielders.

  275. Not out

    SA 201-3

    ...but it's not out - a rather needless referral as De Villiers was nearly past the stumps.

  276. Third umpire

    New Zealand turn back to Tim Southee, and one of those trademark delicate-dabs-to-third-man from De Villiers brings up the 200 for South Africa. A quick single requires a trip upstairs to the third umpire as a direct hit dislodges one of those flashing bails at the bowler's end...

  277. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Seb Horner: Have to criticise B Mac's captaincy here...to leave seven of the last 17 overs to your part time bowlers with AB & Faf about is poor.

    Bob: NZ really need a wicket soon or they'll be chasing a big, big total.

  278. De Villiers 50

    SA 199-3

    With only three men outside the circle during this powerplay, De Villiers immediately punishes the side who have just dropped them, by hoisting a six over long-on and whacking a couple of fours past mid-off to bring up his fifty from only 32 balls. A single allows him to keep the strike - just 15 in four balls since he was dropped.

  279. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Scotty Reynolds: NZ have dropped more catches than they have taken. You don't win a World Cup doing that.

  280. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "It was hit hard, he tried to thrash it. Williamson tried to take the catch high to his left and it spun him around, such was the power but it was a definite chance. De Villiers is a dangerous man to drop."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  281. Dropped catch

    SA 185-3

    De Villiers whacks Anderson to cover where he is dropped by Kane Williamson leaping to his left. You've got to take them...

  282. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "You feel that South Africa are just getting on top, not least because Abraham Benjamin De Villiers is at the crease. He plays the sort of outrageous shots that only he can. Back-foot drives through mid-on, running the ball to third man no matter what the line. New Zealand will have wanted him to stay down after that dive for the line, he is the biggest obstacle between them and the World Cup final."

  283. SA 184-3 (Du Plessis 72*, De Villiers 38*)

    De Villiers is toying with New Zealand here. Just as the wideish slip fielder is moved to gully, the right-hander delicately dabs the ball for four - exactly where the fielder had just been moved from. The man's an artist.

    Strap yourselves in for the batting powerplay - South Africa have been known to double the score from this stage.

  284. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Nick Hebross: Love that the Eden Park PA played the MASH theme while AB was getting treatment from the physio.

  285. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "It was a truly appalling run from Du Plessis who tapped it down the off-side and ran. Williamson had all three stumps to aim at but he missed them. A horrific call from Du Plessis but they got away with it."

  286. Ouch!

    SA 178-3

    Du Plessis pushes into the covers, calls De Villiers for a very risky single, Kane Williamson's throw just misses the stumps and ABDV has to put out the full-length dive to make his ground. Looks like he's banged his nose, he needs a quick visit from a reserve with a drink and a towel.

  287. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "South Africa got off to a poor start, but they have done well. This is the sort of point where you double your score to get your final total. If South Africa do that they will get to 350. If De Villiers stays in with Du Plessis they could get even more."

  288. SA 175-3 (Du Plessis 68*, De Villiers 33*)

    Du Plessis, short shirtsleeves pulled right up, rotates the strike with a single. De Villiers - who always seems to have so much time to play the ball - waits before cutting a two through the covers and pulling another four towards cow corner. He's ominously moving up through the gears here.

  289. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "New Zealand have always picked up early wickets in their other matches and have not really had the pressure of bowling at the death so the pressure is going to be on them and we will have to see how they go."

  290. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Prashant Srivastava: Both teams not giving an inch away. That's the beauty of watching two great teams play.

  291. SA 167-3

    Du Plessis reaffixes the black headband he wears under his helmet - and Vettori's off with one over remaining in his spell. New Zealand need to find seven of the last 17 overs from their "fifth bowler" trio, and so turn back to Corey Anderson who struck in his first over, courtesy of a stunning Martin Guptill catch which I'm sure will be replayed again and again. A single from De Villiers and a controlled pull through mid-wicket by Du Plessis brings up the fifty stand.

  292. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "It is a real battle between bat and ball with the batsmen wanting to take control and the bowlers wanting to take wickets. Both batsmen have got in here and De Villiers is starting to hit boundaries. New Zealand just need to control these two batsmen. It is a nice equation at the moment, but South Africa are winning."

  293. Drinks break

    SA 162-3 (Henry 7-2-31-0)

    Fierce from Henry, De Villiers has to weave away from a short ball at the last minute when he had looked to hit him down the ground. But the Proteas skipper will also keep his opposite number thinking in terms of field placings as he drills a couple of boundaries either side of the man at mid-off, while punching a single off the last ball to keep the strike. Already, he has 26 from 23 balls. Time for drinks. The calm before the storm?

  294. Post update

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Du Plessis now has the highest score for SA in a World Cup semi-final. The only previous 50 for SA in a World Cup semi-final was 53 by Jacques Kallis v Australia at Birmingham in 1999. "

  295. SA 151-3 (Du Plessis 63*, De Villiers 15*)

    Du Plessis back-cuts a quicker ball from Vettori for four, which has the bespectacled spinner looking to the heavens in frustration. That's his fifth four, while De Villiers finds the boundary for the first time when he cracks a full toss back past the bowler.

  296. Du Plessis 50

    SA 140-3

    While Vettori has bowled eight overs off the reel, at the other end New Zealand's other six bowlers have all bowled an over each in succession. Now it's the turn of young speedster Matt Henry, who wasn't even in the squad until yesterday. Du Plessis reaches his 15th ODI fifty from 85 balls, having anchored this innings since those early wickets. As if a pressure valve has been released, having reached the landmark, he lofts Henry over his head for six into the corporate boxes. A well-run two - these two are pretty quick between the wickets - rounds off the over.

  297. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "The floodlights are on at an Eden Park ground that is also illuminated by thousands and thousands of orange shirts worn by spectators trying to take the one-handed catch that could win them $1m. With AB de Villiers at the crease, you feel that this is the ball game."

  298. Scorecard update

    South Africa 129-3 (20 overs)

    Batsmen: Du Plessis 48*, De Villiers 8*

    Fall of wicket: 21-1 (Amla 10), 31-2 (De Kock 14), 114-3 (Rossouw 39)

    Bowling figures: Southee 6-1-27-0, Boult 8-0-41-2, Henry 5-2-9-0, Vettori 8-0-35-0, Williamson 1-0-5-0, Elliott 1-0-9-0, Anderson 1-0-3-1

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

  299. SA 129-3

    Vettori bowls with his usual flight and guile, New Zealand are on their toes in the field, South Africa are still inching along in singles, and another record has fallen to that man De Villiers...

  300. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Neal Collins: Quick reminder: the boundary is that thing around the edge of the field. We should try to boldy go there

  301. SA 125-3 (Du Plessis 46*, De Villiers 6*)

    Trent Boult becomes the fifth different bowler used in five overs at the same end, as Anderson takes a rest after one wicket-taking over and they turn back to the Kiwi left-arm spearhead. There's a slip in, and immediately the South African shutters come down as they look to see Boult off - just three careful singles from the over.

  302. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Aashish: Really impressed with Faf Du Plessis, been calm and accumulated his runs without too much risk.

    Henry Ellison: ABDV being very risky early on. Either he's nervous or we are due for some fireworks!

  303. SA 122-3

    De Villiers (who averages over 127 in ODIs played in New Zealand) is up and running with a two and a single, while South African hearts are in mouths as Vettori spins one past Du Plessis's outside edge. Possibly not the heart/mouth combo of their spinner Imran Tahir, who will be encouraged by the amount of turn offered there. Three more singles mean it's six from the over.

    New Zealand's Dan Vettori dives to field a ball of his own bowling during their Cricket World Cup semifinal against South Africa
  304. SA 116-3 (Du Plessis 42*, De Villiers 1*)

    Another attempted pull shot and a slight miscue towards mid-wicket. ABDV is up and running. Du Plessis should be a good partner for him - the pair were best men at each other's weddings, Neil Manthorp reveals on TMS.

    And ominously for South Africa, Trent Boult is warming up down in the deep.

  305. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jim Wilcox: Outstanding catch. NZ should make Guptill Day a national holiday.

  306. SA 114-3

    De Villiers goes for the pull shot first ball, doesn't connect and nearly gloves it onto his stumps! Shades of Bradman being bowled by Bill Bowes first ball in the second Test of the Bodyline series...

  307. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Guptill is a great fielder and has great hands. Those are the catches you hold on to when you score 237 with the bat. If you look at the crowd every person was on their feet and they are still on their feet. This is a big, big moment in the game."

  308. WICKET

    Rossouw c Guptill b Anderson 39 (SA 114-3)

    Sensational catch! Corey Anderson makes the breakthrough in his first over as he finds left-hander Rilee Rossouw's edge and the ball flies seemingly wide of backward point where Martin Guptill sticks out his right hand and plucks the ball out of the sky. It was the first legal delivery bowled by the left-arm seamer, who began with a wide and now faces one of the game's modern greats - South Africa captain AB de Villiers.

    New Zealand's Martin Guptill, second right, is congratulated by teammates after taking a catch to dismiss South Africa"s Rilee Rossouw

    Scorecard

  309. SA 113-2

    Many thanks, Phil. Down at Eden Park, Daniel Vettori is into his sixth over, but South Africa are trotting along pretty well. Five singles from the over means the veteran left-arm spinner has 0-25 from six. Du Plessis grabs a hasty drink between overs, it looks scorching out there.

  310. SA 108-2

    South African-born seamer Grant Elliott - who was 36 three days ago - comes in to the New Zealand attack. After being handed strike by his partner, Rossouw plants his foot and slams the first six of the innings straight down the ground. South Africa have wrestled their way back into this game. I've just been handed a tea so I'll hand you over to Mr Mark Mitchener.

  311. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "I'd like to see Vettori bowl less flat, as they need a wicket. South Africa are building up a good partnership here - six runs isn't going to make or break this innings."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  312. SA 99-2

    More quality fielding from New Zealand as Boult dives at mid-off to prevent a boundary. On a field this small you need to be right on the money in the field. The flurry of singles continues as SA add five more runs. McCullum is close to a catch from the final ball, but Du Plessis' mis-timed drive falls just short of him.

  313. Post update

    Bryan Waddle

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Since he's had those problems with his action, Williamson hasn't done a lot of bowling."

    Since being cleared to resume bowling by the ICC, Williamson has only bowled in six of his last 15 ODIs before today - and taken one wicket. He's only bowled one previous over at this World Cup.

  314. SA 93-2 (Rossouw 25, Du Plessis 37)

    McCullum opts to toss the ball to Kane Williamson. It is an interesting choice. Corey Anderson would have been the expected go-to man. It almost proves to be a masterstroke as the bearded bowler spins one into the pads of Du Plessis, who is saved by the thinnest of edges. Five singles from the over.

  315. Post update

    Bryan Waddle

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Vettori will leave an enormous gap in the New Zealand side when he goes. There are going to be a lot of big gaps around the world when you think of Sri Lanka without Sangakkara and Jayawardene, for instance."

  316. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "After a shaky start, South Africa are getting themselves into a good position, with wickets in hand ahead of the powerplay. Runs on the board, in a semi-final, are crucial. It looks like Daniel Vettori's bowling a little quicker - I don't blame him with a 46m boundary, but sometimes you have to risk a six for a wicket."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  317. SA 88-2

    South Africa are starting to pick up more singles now to increase the run-rate. They snatch three of them during another good Vettori over. What will McCullum do to try and hit back after this SA counter-attack?

  318. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "What fascinates me here is the field. We're in the 21st over of a one-day international and there's a slip and a gully. There are wicket-taking options all around the wicket - the rub of the green normally goes for you when you take the aggressive option, and it's worked for Brendon McCullum since he's been New Zealand captain."

    Kevin Pietersen on TMS
  319. SA 85-2 (Run-rate 4.04)

    There is a shot of aggression. Du Plessis takes a couple of steps down the track and lofts an off-drive over mid-off for a one-bounce four off Southee to bring up the 50 partnership. He follows this with another attacking stroke to drive a yorker back past the bowler for another four. After a poor start, the Proteas are starting to amass a score.

  320. Scorecard update

    South Africa 77-2 (20 overs)

    Batsmen: Du Plessis 26*, Rossouw 20*

    Fall of wicket: 21-1 (Amla 10), 31-2 (De Kock 14)

    Bowling figures: Southee 5-1-19-0, Boult 7-0-38-2, Henry 5-2-9-0, Vettori 3-0-11-0.

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

    Lightning Boult sign in crowd
  321. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I can remember Viv Richards belting us around the MCG and getting 150, which we thought was incredible. Now batsmen are scoring 200s in this format. Brendon McCullum's kept a very attacking field here."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  322. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Sportsgamer: Love the way McCullum uses his bowlers - great variety but will leave a guy on if he is on fire.

  323. SA 77-2

    There are very few assured, assertive shots being played by this SA pair. Case in point: an attempted reverse sweep from Rossouw off Vettori that he completed misjudges and misses. Just the one run off the over.

    South African batsman Rilee Rossouw (R) plays a shot watched by New Zealand keeper Luke Ronchi during the Cricket World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park
  324. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Marcus Downie: I can't be the only one to notice Trent Boult's uncanny resemblance to Stewart Downing.

    Michael Rawlence: Hope the England team are watching and squirming, I mean learning.

    Alex in Bournemouth: Never mind Johnson and the Aussies, England have no hope against Southee and Boult in May. Any chance we can swap and play Bangladesh instead? Oh wait a minute...

  325. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "There's always a lot of former pros around the press box on match days, but having Allan Border in the TMS box has left me a little starstruck. If there was a player-turned-pundit XI, he'd have a shout wouldn't he? Maybe even as captain?"

  326. SA 76-2 (Rossouw 20, Du Plessis 25)

    Henry's work is done for now. Five overs for nine runs is a pretty fine effort from the new guy. Southee returns and keeps the pressure on the batsman - assisted by more good fielding, this time from Vettori, who comes close to running out Du Plessis with a throw to the non-striker's end. The bowler is also unlucky with a full delivery that catches an inside edge from Rossouw that sends the ball fine of fine leg for four.

  327. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Liam, Wellington, NZ: Eden Park is comically sized for a cricket ground. Schoolboys wouldn't play on such small park. Extraordinary that such an unsuitable venue should serve for a World Cup semi-final!

    Eden Park
  328. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Mike Johns: Brilliant fielding by the @BLACKCAPS, not giving SA anything.

  329. SA 71-2

    I stand corrected, the first ball of this Vettori over is the easiest wide the umpires will get to call today. It is way down leg and beats Ronchi before rolling away to the boundary. That is an utter gift. The remainder of the over is more classic Vettori, going for just two more runs and including yet another example of superb NZ fielding - a diving stop from skipper McCullum at short mid-wicket.

  330. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Neil Manthorp

    BBC Test Match Special

    On Twitter: Stunning atmosphere... wonder if it'll calm down during the 'middle overs'? Proteas have absorbed four tons of pressure per square inch.

  331. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "New Zealand have traditionally always been underdogs, and have done well to reach World Cup semi-finals, but I think this tournament has changed for them. All of a sudden, there's expectation. I always thought Australia, New Zealand and South Africa would be semi-finalists - I'd like to say I predicted India as well, but I think I went for someone else."

  332. 64-2 (Rossouw 15, Du Plessis 23)

    Henry remains in the attack and bowls his first really loose ball with a short, wide one that is the easiest wide call the umpire will get all day. Du Plessis pulls the following ball for a single but Henry tightens his line and pins Rossouw at the striker's end before he claims a quick single with a push up the ground. After the excitement of the early wickets, Eden Park is back on simmer.

    South Africa's Rilee Rossouw runs between the wickets while batting against New Zealand during their Cricket World Cup
  333. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "For Australia, I don't think it matters who they play in the final, if they get there. New Zealand and South Africa are both very experienced in these conditions. If you're in the final, you've done the hard yards, you just need to bring your best game on the day."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  334. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Comedian Andy Zaltzman: Matt Henry has bowled as many maidens in his three-over World Cup so far as Jimmy Anderson & Chris Woakes did in 83 overs between them (two). Incidentally, Trent Boult has bowled 14 maidens this World Cup. Next highest: 7 (Shami, Southee, Steyn).

  335. Drinks break

    SA 61-2

    Hete comes Daniel Vettori to bring some expert spin to proceedings. He almost makes an immediate impact with a rising short ball that Du Plessis looks to drive off the back foot through cover but flashes his bat just inside the ball. Rochi claims and looks to the sky in frustration at the lack of an edge. Three singles follow to take SA past 60. Time for drinks.

  336. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Dennis Ethan: Vettori, Tim Southee and Trent Boult should take the game away from South Africa.

  337. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Down below the TMS box, there are set of fans waving American flags. I'd love to know what brings them here. As the sun comes out in Auckland, the noise recedes ever so slightly. After the earlier danger, South Africa are rebuilding ever so slowly."

  338. SA 58-2 (Run-rate 3.86)

    This South African pair are consolidating well. They have steadied the ship somewhat, although they are far from asserting themselves. Another good Henry over goes for just three runs and almost does for Du Plessis with an inside edge from an outswinger that flies past the stumps and down to fine leg.

    Matt Henry of New Zealand reacts during the 2015 Cricket World Cup
  339. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "That's the shot of the day from Rossouw. There haven't been many freebies today for South Africa. I'd suggest that might be the end of Boult for now. Do you bring Dan Vettori on, or try Corey Anderson?"

    Simon Mann and Allan Border on TMS
  340. SA 55-2

    McCullum decides to stick with Boult and it does not pay off as Rossouw hammers one through mid-wicket for three before Du Plessis follows suit with three of his own from a pull. Rossouw then plays the shot of the day so far with an on-drive for four. That ease the pressure a touch. It is the first over of the innings that South Africa can say legitimately say they have won.

  341. SA 43-2 (Du Plessis 14, Rossouw 4)

    South Africa are digging in here. They have no choice. Henry continues the assault with six testing, teasing balls that have Du Plessis jumping, prodding and leaving. It is another maiden. You'd think this lad had played 88 ODIs, not eight.

  342. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "If I were McCullum, I'd tell Boult to take a rest here. He's bowled six overs, and he needs a couple up his sleeves for when AB de Villiers bats."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  343. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Paul Barrow: New Zealand's 100% commitment to everything they do is so impressive. Absolute belief in themselves & their team-mates.

  344. SA 43-2

    How many times can you remember a side having four slips and a gully in place in the 12th over of a one-day game? That is what we have here. It leaves plenty of space for Rossouw to find, but that is no easy task when Boult is the bowler. After the previous maiden, Boult makes it 10 dot balls on the trot before Rossouw hammers one into the ground and over the bowler's head to pick up three runs and Du Plessis claims a single.

  345. SA 39-2 (Du Plessis 13, Rossouw 1)

    Henry has picked up where Southee left off. He finds a nice line outside off and Du Plessis takes no chances by shouldering arms to anything in the corridor. The over is not without its chances, though, as one of the balls Du Plessis leaves is much closer to off stump than the batsman realised, while the last ball just beats the outside edge. It is another maiden, underlining just how much NZ are on top at this moment.

    Fans applaud Trent Boult of New Zealand
  346. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former West Indies captain Brian Lara: Poor from De Kock, assessment of the early going would suggest getting to the first bowling change was of paramount importance.

  347. Scorecard update

    South Africa 39-2 (10 overs)

    Batsmen: Du Plessis 13*, Rossouw 1*

    Fall of wicket: 21-1 (Amla 10), 31-2 (De Kock 14)

    Bowling figures: Southee 4-1-14-0, Boult 5-0-22-2, Henry 1-0-3-0.

    South Africa won toss

    Scorecard

    Trent Boult is congratulated by teammates
  348. SA 39-2

    McCullum may have taken Southee out of his attack but there was no chance of him replacing Boult, who has bowled with pace and swing to take the two wickets to have fallen so far. However, this is his worst over so far, as he drops a touch too short. One such delivery allows Du Plessis to steer the ball fine of third man for four.

  349. How's stat?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Boult now has 21 wickets in this World Cup, passing Geoff Allott's 20 in 1999 as the most in a World Cup for New Zealand.

    "Boult has 12 wickets bowling in the first 10 overs in this World Cup, three more than anyone else. Jerome Taylor is second on nine."

    Trent Boult celebrates s wicket
  350. Who is Matt Henry?

    Born in Christchurch on 14 December 1991, Matt Henry is playing only his ninth ODI today. After having major back surgery earlier in his career, he made his debut at the end of January 2014, taking 4-38 against India, and has taken 21 wickets at an impressive average of 15.42, with best figures of 5-30 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. In fact, when he's bowled in ODIs, he's never failed to take a wicket.

    Matt Henry
  351. SA 34-2 (Du Plessis 8, Rossouw 1)

    New Zealand's first bowling change brings Matt Henry into the attack. He was selected in place of the injured Adam Milne and ahead of both Mitch McClenaghan and Kyle Mills. He generates a lot of his pace - around the mid-130s - from his shoulders, courtesy of whippy action and it serves him well. Just the three singles from the over. There is a lot of pressure on SA now.

  352. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Aashish: Brainless shot from De Kock - what was he thinking?

  353. SA 31-2

    Boult is bowling to four slips and a gully and beats new man Rossouw with one that starts outside off and holds its line, with the batsman playing inside it. The Kiwis are turning the screw.

  354. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "I hope you can hear the roars at home because that was a cacophony of sound. It got a big top edge - and could easily have gone for six because of the short boundaries here - but it was straight to the fielder. De Kock looks devastated, he was getting tied down and looked as though he was itching to play a big stroke. The first time he tried it, he's gone."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

    Quinton de Kock
  355. WICKET

    De Kock c Southee b Boult 14 (SA 31-2)

    Eden Park erupts. Boult breaks through again. De Kock has been playing with such patience but he errs with a swing at a ball just short of a length that sends the ball flying down to third man, where Southee claims the catch.

    Scorecard

    Trent Boult of New Zealand celebrates the wicket of Quinton de Kock of South Africa during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park
  356. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Rishi Bhabutta: Backing Du Plessis to show his class here with a big knock. Gets overshadowed by AB and Amla but is a crucial part of SA's team.

    South Africa's Faf du Plessis dives in for a run during the semi-finals Cricket World Cup match
  357. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "The ball is swinging, which makes you tighten up a little bit before you go in. It's still swinging a bit now, which tips the balance towards New Zealand for me. If you bowl fast and straight to South Africa, they'll eat you up, but there are very few teams in the world adept at scoring well against swing bowling."

  358. SA 30-1 (Du Plessis 5, De Kock 14)

    There are an awful lot of South African nerves on display at the crease. Southee helps Proteas out with a wide and a short ball that De Kock controls on the pull for a single. Du Plessis keeps the strike with a push to mid-wicket for the third run from the over. This tense, gripping stuff.

  359. Post update

    Neil Manthorp

    BBC Test Match Special

    "AB de Villiers said after the Pakistan game at this ground that he was struggling to pick the ball up under lights. South Africa will be far more concerned by New Zealand's swing bowlers than their pace [as NZ's Adam Milne has been ruled out of the tournament with injury] as they're used to facing Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. A small amount of swing can be more handy than lots."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  360. SA 27-1

    Boult continues to charge in and continues to test the SA pair. They are happy to leave him alone when he hits the mark outside off, which he does with regularity. There is a great deal of respect being shown to the young bowler - understandably so. From the Proteas' point of view, they will be happy to see off this front-line assault with wickets in the tent and aim to capitalise later.

  361. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Henry Ellison: Hugely important wicket! Bat dominated #CWC15 and yet Trent Boult has been immense.

  362. SA 26-1 (Du Plessis 4, De Kock 12)

    Southee has settled into a superb early rhythm, finding a lovely spot outside off and, with the bit of swing he is generating, planting enough doubt in the SA batsmen's heads that they hold back from offering a shot. De Kock steers a straight ball down to fine leg for a single, but it is the only run of the over.

    Quinton de Kock of South Africa bats during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park
  363. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "What an atmosphere inside Eden Park - hair-raising, spine-tingling stuff. There's a huge cheer, the sort usually reserved for a winning run, just for a diving stop in the covers. Trent Boult is cheered and clapped to the wicket and there are ooohs and aaaahs as Ronchi shells De Kock."

  364. SA 25-1

    Faf du Plessis is the new man and claims a boundary from his second ball by clipping one wide of short square leg. As we all hoped, it has been a cracking start at Eden Park.

  365. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Again, the balance of Amla surprised me - he's fallen over slightly towards the off side, but an inside edge onto a full delivery has dragged it onto the stumps to a shout of glee from the New Zealanders."

  366. WICKET

    Amla b Boult 10 (SA 21-1)

    Boult is in the wickets again! The tournament's leading wicket-taker has started superbly, causing De Kock all manner of problems. It is Amla who falls first, though, edging a full delivery on to his stumps to give the New Zealand pace bowler his 20th victim of the World Cup.

    Scorecard

    New Zealand celebrate the wicket of Hashim Amla
  367. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Naveed Afzal: Am nervous watching this contest and I'm a neutral. Electrifying start to the game and great atmosphere

  368. SA 20-0 (De Kock 10, Amla 10)

    South Africa are offering chances. Amla top-edges a hook from a short Southee ball and sends the ball looping down to Boult, who runs rapidly round from fine leg but is just short despite his dive. Amla then asserts himself, capitalising on a loose attempted yorker, which he flicks away down to the fine leg boundary, and then flicking a straight ball through mid-wicket for another four. It is has been an all-action start.

    New Zealand's Trent Boult misses a catch
  369. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Rob Parrett: Just finished work & was about to head to bed but I see #NZvSA is on and simply there is no chance I'm missing this!

  370. SA 10-0

    Trent Boult suffers a failure to launch with his first ball as he catches his thigh and drops the ball in his delivery stride. Normal service is resumed from his first official delivery as he beats the outside edge of De Kock and then draws an edge next ball that goes just wide of third slip and skips down to the third-man boundary. De Kock picks up another two with a push through cover before another edge flicks the glove of Ronchi before going for another four. That was a chance. It is a really good Boult over, even though it goes for 10.

    New Zealand v South Africa: Semi Final
  371. Top wicket-takers

    Top wicket-takers

    Statistics correct as of 22 March.

  372. Post update

    Jeremy Coney

    Ex-New Zealand captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "You can see even calm players like Hashim Amla are affected by games like this. There was hesitance about his first defensive stroke. Bit of bounce there from Southee. I played in one World Cup semi-final - one of the six we didn't get through! But some players will be nervous - sometimes it's easier to be in the field as you can get into the game."

    Bryan Waddle and Jeremy Coney
  373. SA 0-0

    Southee finds some early swing to nip the ball away from Amla. It is early movement, though, and the bearded batsman calmly lets three fly by before flashing a drive for the diving Williamson to stop at cover. Two further dot balls give Southee a maiden. It's a good start for the co-hosts.

    New Zealand v South Africa: Semi Final
  374. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Edward Dent: This competition has seen cricket throw off the shackles of the dusty long room and emerge as a dynamic exciting spectacle of mass appeal. Brilliant and about time!

  375. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "As a player, the anthems are when you really start to feel the adrenaline and excitement. I couldn't wait to start. It's awful if you're the batting team and you're batting number nine like I did as you're all hyped up and have to go and sit down. I'd rather be on the fielding team right now."

    Listen to Test Match Special commentary via the audio icon.

  376. Post update

    Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee
  377. Post update

    Out come South Africa openers Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock. Tim Southee has the new ball in his hand.

  378. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Quite a nice touch before the game begins, with the flag of every country that has taken part in the tournament being unfurled on the outfield. This is the last game to be held in New Zealand."

    Flags at Eden Park
  379. Post update

    There is something very apt about Vangelis's theme music from '1492: Conquest of Paradise' blaring out around the stadium prior to this game. The film is about Christopher Columbus discovering America in the titular year. And today, one of these teams is going to progress to new territory.

    The stands are full, the anthems have been rousingly belted out. In just a few minutes we'll have a whole game of cricket on our hands...

  380. 'New Zealand are my favourites to win it'

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "Both teams are in stunning form. South Africa blitzed Sri Lanka, but nothing compares to what New Zealand did to the West Indies. Trent Boult is the top wicket-taker in the World Cup and Daniel Vettori is the best fielder of the World Cup.

    "New Zealand are my favourites to go on and win the whole thing."

    Daniel Vettori
  381. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Former Australia spinner Shane Warne on Twitter: Huge toss won by SA & they will bat first, AB looking really nervous at the toss... I think SA will win now they are batting first, sorry Kiwis.

    Or a good toss to lose with the cloud cover? I think it's too cold to swing around corners. NZ must take three wickets in the first 15 overs!!

  382. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "Had an excellent journey to the ground in the company of Graeme Swann, which began with a taxi driver who didn't know where Eden Park was and moved on to an extraordinary scene outside the stadium. Bagpipers and roller-skaters, just what every World Cup semi-final needs. 'What's going on here?' said Swann. 'Am I high?'"

  383. Captain's view

    South Africa captain AB de Villiers on Vernon Philander's selection ahead of Kyle Abbott:

    "Verny's in good form, and has looked good in the nets. Kyle's been a great team player for us and maybe he'll get a chance in the final if we make it there."

  384. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Pete Naylor: This is going to be one classic clash if both sides fire on all cylinders, with history to be made. Go for it, Proteas.

    Nick Strong: This game should be the final! McCullum vs de Villiers!

    Scotty Reynolds: As an Aussie, I don't generally give a... about other cricket teams but this game has got my attention.

  385. Aggers on the semis

    As our cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew points out, the quarter-finals may not have produced the closest contests so far in the competition, but they have at least ensured the best four teams in the tournament comprise the final four.

    Agnew continues: "The semis and the teams involved throw a spotlight on the four captains, who have their own separate stories in addition to the mission of trying to win the World Cup."

    Of today's skippers in particular, he notes: "New Zealand's Brendon McCullum is the personification of his nation's hopes, while AB de Villiers is looking to finally shake off South Africa's 'choker' reputation in a year in which he has already done some extraordinary things with the bat."

    Left to right: MS Dhoni, Michael Clarke, Brendon McCullum and AB de Villiers
  386. Team line-ups

    New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (wk), Daniel Vettori, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

    South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (capt), Rilee Rossouw, David Miller, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.

    Umpires are England's Ian Gould and Australia's Rod Tucker, with England's Nigel Llong on TV replays.

  387. Auckland results

    Auckland has hosted three matches in this World Cup prior to this semi-final. Considering the size of some of the totals in this competition, it has not yet offered a real run-fest, with India's six-wicket win over Zimbabwe providing the most runs (575 in total).

    It was not a happy hunting ground for South Africa, who lost a rain-affected game to Pakistan by 29 runs (D/L) on 7 March in Pool B. New Zealand fared better a week earlier (just) by coming out on top in that dramatic Pool A game with fellow hosts Australia, by one wicket.

    Trent Boult and Kane Williamson celebrate victory over Australia in Auckland
  388. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Auckland

    "There's a real big game atmosphere in Auckland, with home supporters swarming around the city centre, jamming the roads around Eden Park and pouring from trains at the nearest station. The sun has been out, but there's a threat of rain. The drop-in pitch is a brilliant white colour and looks full of runs."

  389. Meet the teams - South Africa

    South Africa
  390. Meet the teams - New Zealand

    New Zealand
  391. Captain's view

    New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "We've drafted Matt Henry into the squad and he comes straight in, in place of Adam Milne, he's a wicket-taking option and we wanted him in as that third seamer. It was a really tough choice, but we thought go with Matt's extra pace and the aggressive option."

  392. Team news

    South Africa have made one change with Vernon Philander coming in for Kyle Abbott. Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has confirmed the inclusion of relative rookie Matt Henry in place of the injured Adam Milne. A brave call? We'll find out very soon.

  393. Toss

    South Africa win the toss and will bat

    As predicted, ABDV calls heads, gets it right and has a bat. "We rate ourselves against their bowling attack," says the Proteas skipper.

  394. Here comes the toss...

    We currently have pretty clear skies over Eden Park in Auckland. The teams have been out warming up, while the stands slowly fill. There won't be an empty seat for this one, that is for sure.

    These two sides have provided some stellar entertainment this tournament, built around dynamic, attacking cricket. You've got to think that the side winning the toss will bat. Let's find out...

  395. A very good morning

    Nine World Cup semi-finals between them, but neither New Zealand or South Africa have yet made their final debut. Something has got to give.

    Morning all and welcome to our coverage of the first semi-final of the 2015 World Cup between cricket's ODI nearly men. It's NZ v SA, McCullum v De Villiers, "Two toes" v "The feared beard". And it promises to be an absolute cracker.