4. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: Nervous South Africa lost the thrilling semi-final
South Africa had some ups and downs moments in the entire 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. In the Group Stages, while India and Pakistan beat them, South Africa dominated in the other matches. Then they clinched a comfortable victory against Sri Lanka in the quarter-final.
In the semi-final, South Africa faced the co-host side New Zealand at Auckland. South Africa scored 281/5 (43 overs) in the rain-interrupted first innings. According to the DLS method, New Zealand had to chase the revised target of 298 runs in 43 overs.
After some aggressive beginning, New Zealand lost their wickets at regular intervals. In the crucial late moments, South Africa missed some good chances which could secure their victory.
The host side needed to score 12 runs in the final over to win that match. Finally, New Zealand won that thrilling game by four wickets with just one ball remaining. While they needed to score five runs in the final two balls, Grant Elliot smashed a sixer to secure that victory.