Cricket captivates the Bay

Grant Elliott brought a nation to its feet with his semi-final innings against South Africa.

Bay lawyer Steve Franklin and two Tauranga mates Peter Attwood and Mike Douglas are thankful they were at Eden Park to see the Black Caps' thrilling win over the Proteas on Tuesday.

Mr Franklin described the match as "completely absorbing' with a nail-biting finish.

"I have seen a lot of international sports matches live including rugby and this was the most electrifying match I have ever been at. It was better the Rugby World Cup final."

Mr Franklin said during the match his emotions see-sawed from really happy about how the Black Caps were playing to despondent.

"It was real roller-coaster ride ... when Grant Elliott hit the winning six everybody was up on their feet and people were hugging each other, even complete strangers, and there was plenty of high-fiving going on too. I was surrounded by New Zealanders and there was a real wave of elation in the crowd. No one wanted to leave the ground. It was awesome."

Mr Franklin said the South African supporters were downcast but dignified in their response to their team's defeat and the Black Caps' win. "Let's hope it's India in the final as it will be hard for our guys to beat the Australians in Australia, as the crowd is sure to be mainly Australians. But I'm still keeping the faith the Black Caps can win," he said.

Te Puke Cricket Club president Garry Hart - the father of former Black Caps Matt and Robbie Hart, said he was extremely proud of the team.

"For those of us who didn't have a cardiac arrest on Tuesday night, like most people I will be sitting in front my TV set to watch the final. I think this was the greatest performance by a New Zealand one-day side I can recall," he said.

The Phoenix owner Mark Lawrence said the match was "nail-biting stuff" but he had actually lost his nails about five weeks ago when the Black Caps played Australia.

"It was an awesome semifinal.

"I do hope Australia makes the final. If they make it you couldn't ask for a better final match-up, with a packed crowd of 80,000 in Melbourne.

"It will be amazing." Mr Lawrence said on Sunday patrons can take advantage of the TV screens dotted around the bar. Mount Mellick co-owner Carl Willetts said the pub was buzzing with the game on the two big screens last night.

Their weekly jam night got put on hold as the game captured everyone's attention. " He was looking forward to another exciting day on Sunday for the final.

Greer's Gastro Bar owner Ian Settle said it was a nail-biting finish, and from a spectator's point of view he hoped Australia does make the final. As well as three-big TV screens featuring the match live, music had been cancelled on Sunday and all the seating would be re-arranged to ensure prime viewing.