Brendon McCullum insisted yesterday that 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 past six weeks.

“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 after the match.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

by Our Sports Desk