AUCKLAND: New Zealand`s Grant Elliott realised a childhood dream when he belted South African speedster Dale Steyn into the stand for six at Eden Park on Tuesday to get his adopted homeland into the World Cup final.

South African-born Elliott (84 not out) gave a brief celebratory wave as the ball sailed into the crowd before running to comfort a distraught Steyn.

The winning runs came on the penultimate ball of the rain-affected match where New Zealand were set a revised target of 298 under the Duckworth/Lewis method after South Africa had made 281 for five.

New Zealand needed 12 off the last over to win a thrilling semi-final and Elliott said it was a nervewracking experience sealing a four-wicket victory.-AFP See also Sport Pages