OTD| New Zealand beat South Africa in a thrilling encounter to reach the ODI World Cup final for the first time in 2015

In this article, we will discuss the OTD | New Zealand beat South Africa in a thrilling encounter to reach the ODI World Cup final for the first time in 2015. South Africa have often qualified for the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup but the Proteas have never been able to progress further. They have come across some disappointing heartbreaks that have not only left South African fans rattled but neutrals as well. On this day in 2015, they faced elimination from the 2015 World Cup semi-final after a narrow defeat at the hands of New Zealand. 

First Innings

Both teams had 43 overs to play. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the high-stakes first semi-final. New Zealand playing in front of their home crowd got a great start in the knockout affair. In the first powerplay, the Kiwi bowlers dismissed both South African openers, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock. However, the Proteas made a strong comeback courtesy of impactful innings from Faf du Plessis. He scored 82 runs to bring his team back into the contest. First, Faf stitched a vital partnership with Rilee Rossouw and then with captain AB de Villiers. De Villiers scored 65 runs off just 45 deliveries to propel South Africa to 281/5 at the end of the first innings. It was a handsome total but Auckland was a high-scoring venue and no target was considered safe on the ground. 

Second Innings 

The adjusted target for New Zealand was 298 runs in 43 overs. With a dangerous bowling attack, South Africa had the upper hand at the start of the second innings. However, captain Brendon McCullum got his team off to a flying start. In the first 6 overs, New Zealand scored 71 runs out of which 59 were made by McCullum. This initial onslaught from him took all the pressure away from the chasing side. But South Africa were quick to reply. After McCullum’s departure, they got a few more wickets in quick succession. At one point the Blackcaps were in a spot of bother with four wickets down for 149 runs. 

An unbelievable partnership between Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott changed the complexion of the game. The two added more than 100 runs for the fifth wicket. After Anderson departed, it was Elliott whose solo effort took New Zealand to the finals. He finished the match heroically with a maximum on the second last ball of the match to guide his team to a famous victory by four wickets.