New Zealand beat S Africa to reach their first ever final

The Kiwis went into the last over of a rain-curtailed match needing 12 runs to reach its target of 298 from 43 overs, and Elliot, who scored an unbeaten 84 held nerve to make the task easy with one ball to spare.

The black caps, who had suffered six semi-final defeats in pevious world cups will face either Australia or India in Sunday's final.

For South Africa, who failed to ditch the 'chokers' tag, it was again an agonising last-gasp defeat. The Proteas dropped a catch in the penultimate over when Farhaan Behardien appeared set to take a skier in the deep to dismiss Grant Elliott only for JP Duminy, also going for the catch, to dive in front of him.

Also the final overs caused too costly for their bowlers.

For the black caps, skipper Brendon Mcculum hit  59 and Corey Anderson piled up 58  to contribute to the team's total.

Earlier, South Africa made  281-5 in 43 overs when rain stopped the game reducing the match by seven overs.

The figure  was revised under the Duckworth/Lewis system as the match resumed after nearly a two-hour rain break.

The Proteas added 65 in the five overs after the resumption with David Miller scoring 49 of them from 18 balls.

De Villiers, who was on 60 at the rain break, faced 45 balls for his unbeaten 65.

De Villiers brought up his 50 in 32 deliveries. After being dropped by Kane Williamson at short cover on 38 he reached his half century with a six and two fours off the next three balls from Corey Anderson.