10 Best ODI Matches of the Century

#1 South Africa vs New Zealand (24th March 2015, Auckland)

New Zealand v South Africa - 2015

The 1st semi-final of the 2015 World Cup between New Zealand and South Africa at Auckland, sensibly, is the best ODI to have ever been played.

There was a bit of history to this semi-final match as New Zealand and South Africa has never reached an ICC event final.

That seemed to matter little when South Africa, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, got off to a decent start as they had 3/114 stat in the 25th over. du Plessis, however, resurrected the South African innings along with de Villiers, as they scored 82 and 65 respectively. Although rain intervened, David Miller's 49(18) cameo helped Protease to post 281 runs on the scorecard in their 43 overs. (with the target set to 298 from 43 overs).

A sally from Brendon McCullum put New Zealand in total control of the game and when Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson put on a 103 run partnership, it looked like the game was beyond Protease reach. With the Protease seemingly going out of the tournament, they turned to their match-winner in Money Morkel. in the quest for a couple of quick wickets, and he duly answered his captain’s call.

Kiwi's where in a 6/288 situation and Dale Steyn needed to defend 11 in the final over to take the African team to their first World Cup final. But in the battle of pressure, New Zealander Elliott who came out on top, as he smacked a six off the penultimate delivery of the innings to guide the Blackcaps home.

SCORECARD SUMMARY

SOUTH AFRICA: 281/5(43 OVERS)

NEW ZEALAND 299/6(42.5 OVERS)

Result:

New Zealand won by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining) (D/L method)