Grant Elliott celebrates after hitting the winning runs to book New Zealand a spot in the Cricket World Cup final. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Grant Elliott celebrates after hitting the winning runs to book New Zealand a spot in the Cricket World Cup final. Photo / Brett Phibbs
For a horrible moment there, Grant Elliott thought he had left his run too late, that he was going to be left not out and not going to Melbourne.
In a departure from the normal sportsman mantra of not getting too caught up in the moment, Elliott readily admitted that he "was really feeling the pressure" of the knife-edge finish.
"I knew I had two balls. Dan [Vettori] said we weren't going to run to the keeper again so I knew it was up to me. I had two balls. I knew four runs would do it because a tie was as good as a win. That was in the back of my mind.
Image 1 of 10: Hashim Amla is bowled by Trent Boult leaving South Africa 21 for 1. Photo / Jason Oxenham
"The chase, we probably left it a little bit late to be honest. It was stressful."
While he's being honest, he should also admit that it was on him that New Zealand even got close. After an explosive start from Brendon McCullum (59 off 26 balls), New Zealand's was an innings of fits and starts as they attempted to chase down the 297 needed to tie.
Elliott, who really only came into World Cup calculations late in the piece, ended on 84 after earlier combining with Corey Anderson for a 103-run partnership in 98 balls before the latter was dismissed and the wobbles set in.
Image 1 of 34: Blacks Caps in a huddle before their semifinal against South Africa at Eden Park. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Off the last over they needed 11 to tie, Vettori, in his inimitable style, squeezed a four to backward point, but a couple of byes left Elliott needing the big shot. Dale Steyn was thinking length ball; Elliott was thinking four or six. Elliott won.
"That's the first moment that you actually feel a release of emotion. Cricket's the sort of game where you have to be quite unemotional in your approach. It was a great feeling... to savour that moment and know you're through to the final."
Elliott is aware that the result, and his heroics, have elevated this team to a special place in the public's conscious, but does not want it to end here.
Grant Elliott helps up Dale Steyn after hitting the match-winning runs off the South African paceman. Photo / Jason Oxenham
"There's been a lot talk about us just making the semis and never quite kicking on... I know it means a lot to the team but you could see the emotions in the stands today. It means a lot to a lot of people. Hopefully we can repay the faith in the final as well."
There is one drawback for Elliott in all this. He will now have to skip his sister's big day.
"She's got a wedding on Friday. Unfortunately I will miss her wedding. I'm sorry. She's pretty happy for me but I'm going to have to get her a special gift I think." It is only fair, surely, that his teammates chip in as well. Relive the match - New Zealand v South Africa - As it happened
