Brendon McCullum insists he and his New Zealand team are enjoying 'the greatest time of our lives ' after a thrilling four-wicket win against South Africa in Auckland saw them reach their first ever World Cup final . Grant Elliott ( 84 not out ) hit a six off the penultimate ball of the match at Eden Park to wrap up victory for the Black Caps , having been set 298 to win via the Duckworth-Lewis method after South Africa amassed 281 for five from their 43 overs following a two-hour rain interruption . New Zealand will face either fellow co-hosts Australia or defending champions India in Sunday 's final in Melbourne but , win or lose , McCullum says he and his players have enjoyed themselves immensely during the last six weeks . New Zealand show appreciation for the home fans who captain Brendan McCullum branded 'phenomenal ' McCullum flicks the ball away as he got New Zealand off to a blistering start in their chase . ' I 've said it time and time again it 's the greatest time of our lives as players , ' McCullum , who scored 59 from just 26 balls to give the Kiwis a promising start , said on Sky Sports World Cup . 'We 're enjoying the experience . It 's been an incredible ride all the way through . 'The crowds we 've had turn up in New Zealand and support this team and the brand of cricket we 're trying to play has been phenomenal so I hope they 're all dreaming as much as we are . 'We 've got a huge occasion in a few days ' time . Geez , it 'd be nice to win it . ' New Zealand were stuttering on 149 for four when Elliott and Corey Anderson ( 58 ) steadied the ship with a fifth-wicket stand of 103 from 16.2 overs to keep them in the game . McCullum was keen to pay tribute to his match-winner , adding : 'What a great innings from Grant Elliott . It was wow . McCullum 's combination of clever shotmaking and explosive power set New Zealand up for a win . Grant Elliott celebrates after smashing the winning runs as New Zealand reached their first ever final . New Zealand celebrate after taking a wicket during the first innings of their semi-final against South Africa . ' ( He ) came out of the wilderness not that long ago and he 's just played a match-winning innings in a semi-final , and the partnership him and Corey had just had such calmness as well . Tremendous achievement from them and all the boys . ' Elliott , born in Johannesburg , insisted the energetic home support had helped New Zealand over the line and he does not expect them to change their approach for the final . 'When you 've got 40,000 fans screaming at you every ball ( it spurs you on ) , ' he said . 'It 's been an absolute pleasure playing at Eden Park and playing in front of the home crowd . The New Zealand players celebrate out in the middle with hugs for Daniel Vettori , who helped see them home . Corey Anderson ( above ) and Grant Elliot settled the hosts ' nerves with a brilliant partnership of 103 . ' I think we 've had a good run and it 's the first final we 've been in as a New Zealand team . We 're a very level team so I think we 'll just approach it as every other game . ' South Africa captain AB de Villiers ( 65no ) also paid tribute to the Eden Park crowd and insisted his players could not have done more to clinch victory . 'It was an amazing game of cricket . It 's probably the most electric crowd I 've ever heard in my life so credit to the fans here , ' said De Villiers , who shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 103 from 12.1 overs with Faf du Plessis ( 82 ) . 'They really were here to support their team and I guess the better team came out on top . 'We gave it our best , we left everything out there on the field and I could n't ask for anything more from our boys so we do n't go back with any regrets . '
New Zealand beat # ##pool to reach first ever World Cup final . Brendan ##ham provides ' phenomenal ' crowd support after victory . he also pays tribute to match - winner Grant Elliott .