( CNN ) New Zealand are on course for a first ever World Cup title after a thrilling semifinal victory over South Africa , secured off the penultimate ball of the match . Chasing an adjusted target of 298 in just 43 overs after a rain interrupted the match at Eden Park , Grant Elliott hit a six right at the death to confirm victory and send the Auckland crowd into raptures . It is the first time New Zealand has ever reached a World Cup final , and it will play either Australia or India on Sunday . Te pair face each other in Sydney on Thursday . Not the first time in the sport , rain played a part . South Africa were motoring with the bat before a two-hour delay for poor weather . Though its total was escalated by the Duckworth/Lewis method -- used to calculate a revised target in the event of a rain delay -- New Zealand held firm thanks to Elliott . His 84 not out underpinned its innings and it was fitting that he delivered the final blow , smashing Dale Steyn for six off the second last ball to spark jubilant scenes at Eden Park . `` I do n't think this win is for myself or the team , but everyone here , '' Elliott said at the post-match presentation . `` The supporters have been amazing . `` I think we timed the pace of the innings to perfection . I was n't as calm as I looked . When you have 45,000 fans screaming at you every ball ... `` It has been an absolute pleasure playing in front of this crowd . We have had a good run . It is the first final we have been in as New Zealand . `` We are a very level team , we will approach it as any other game . Nothing going in my mind when I hit the six . I do n't even know where the ball went . '' South Africa , who themselves have never reached the final , have been accused of choking in past installments of the one-day competition . But that indictment can not be leveled at it after one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history . It had recovered from 114-3 in the 27th over to 216-3 after 38 overs thanks to some fierce hitting from captain AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis , before the rain came . With the game stopped for two hours , it finally reached 281 off its reduced 43 overs , du Plessis top scoring with 82 . New Zealand 's target was upgraded via Duckworth/Lewis , a calculation that takes into account how many overs were left and how many wickets had been lost , to 298 . Kiwi skipper Brendan McCullum got it off to a fast start with a 22-ball half-century but after he was dismissed it wobbled , and needed 139 from 22 overs . But Elliott was the steadying hand , judging his innings perfectly . And though he was dropped in the penultimate over , he struck the telling blow off Steyn to seal victory and inflict a fourth semifinal defeat on South Africa . `` It was a great advertisement for cricket , '' McCullum said at the post-match presentation . `` Everybody involved will remember this for the rest of their lives . `` What a great innings from Grant . He came out of wilderness not long ago . The greatest time of our lives . We have enjoyed the experience . `` I hope the crowds are all dreaming the way we are . Gee it would be nice to win it . We do n't mind whom we face in the final . `` They are both quality sides , but we know if we play the way we want to we are a good chance . '' Should Australia beat India at the Sydney Cricket Ground , then the joint hosts of the World Cup will meet in the final in Melbourne . `` It was an amazing game of cricket , '' AB de Villiers said . `` Probably the most electric crowd I have ever heard in my life . I guess the best team has come out on top . We gave it our best . No regrets . `` We left it all out there . It is hurting . It is going to take a while to recover . The bigger picture is for the people back home . We play for them . I hope they can still be proud of us . ''
Auckland edge a thriller against South African to reach cricket World Cup final . Grant Elliott hits a six in the final over to seal Kiwi victory in front of New Zealand crowd . South Africa had posted a total of 281 in a rain affected match . Auckland will face either Australia or India in the final on March 29 .