Overview

The first semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2015 is going to be held between New Zealand and South Africa. While New Zealand has appeared to be one of the clear favourites to lift the World Cup this year, this will be South Africa’s chance to create history by going to a World Cup final for the first time.

Teams

New Zealand: Most considered New Zealand as the favourite to win the quarter-final match against the West Indies. However, no one may have expected the Kiwis to win by 143 runs. Martin Guptill hit the highest score in World Cup history. His 237 helped New Zealand reach a massive score of 393.

The only concern for New Zealand in the match could be the way West Indian batsmen hit their bowlers all over the ground. While the West Indies made 250, the runs came in only 30.3 overs. Chris Gayle made 61 off 33 balls with two fours and eight sixes, Marlon Samuels hit three fours and a six for his 27 off 15 balls and skipper Jason Holder made 42 off 26 balls with five fours and two sixes.

Trent Boult bowled 10 consecutive overs and took four wickets and helped his team bowl the West Indies out. If South Africa manages to keep wickets for the last 20 overs, New Zealand bowlers may find it difficult to hold the Proteas back.

South Africa: Nobody thought South Africa’s match against Sri Lanka would be so one-sided that South African bowlers would bowl the Asians out for 133. South Africa eventually won the match by nine wickets in 18 overs only. JP Duminy scored a hat trick in the match while Imran Tahir, the Man of the Match, took four wickets.

South Africa has never managed to enter a World Cup final even though it always starts the tournament as one of the favourites to win it. The team appears to be in fabulous form at the moment. While it will face arguably the best team in the tournament, it should be aware of being called “chokers.” AB de Villiers’ boys will want to change it.

Head to Head

These two have played six times against each other at World Cups. New Zealand is ahead of the Proteas in terms of records. It won four times so far while South Africa won twice.

Key Players

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum & Tim Southee

South Africa: Dale Steyn & Imran Tahir

Date, Time & Venue

The match is going to be held on Mar. 24 at Eden Park in Auckland. The match starts at 2 p.m. local time.

Prediction

South Africa will win the toss and elect to bat first. It will make 287 for six wickets. New Zealand will lose early wickets to Steyn. However, it will build up a steady partnership. Even though Tahir will create problems for New Zealand, skipper McCullum will hold the fort and take his team to the final in 48.3 overs.

Prediction Meter

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. The Proteas made 281 for five wickets in the rain interrupted match. New Zealand will require 298 runs to win in 43 overs. McCullum made 59 off 26 balls. He was caught by Steyn off Morkel. New Zealand eventually won the match by four wickets. Grant Elliott, whose partnership of 103 runs with Corey Anderson was instrumental in the win, made 84 off 73 balls. He took his team to victory with a six while there was only one ball to spare. Elliott was declared the Man of the Match.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au