And that is where we're going to leave it. Fourteen teams have been reduced to three, and after six failed attempts, co-hosts New Zealand have finally reached their first World Cup final. You can already read Stephan Shemilt's match report on the BBC Sport website.,

It ends there for South Africa - but not for the tournament. It's over to Sydney on Thursday where Australia and India meet for the right to play NZ in the final. Play gets under way at 03:30 GMT - so set your alarm clock and make sure you join us on the live text from 03:00.

That's it from us. New Zealand have their dream final, and South Africa, I think, can hold their heads high after a superb game. Goodbye for now.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor:, external What a game. What's the first thing you do when u win a semi? Everyone cleans their boots for Oz customs.

New Zealand wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi:, external Amazing. What a game of cricket. So happy.

Captain Brendon McCullum, as he does so often, gave New Zealand impetus with a characteristically pugnacious 59 from 26 balls. Their hopes eventually rested with a century stand from Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson.

While Anderson holed out for 58, Elliott - who was born in Johannesburg and learned his cricket in South Africa before moving to New Zealand - saw the Black Caps home with an unbeaten 84 from 73 balls.

In a thrilling finish, Elliott launched Dale Steyn, the world's premier fast bowler, for six into the stand from the penultimate ball of the match to book their place in Sunday's final, leaving a couple of South Africa players in tears.

Image source, AFP

BBC Radio 5 live

Former All Blacks hooker and captain Sean Fitzpatrick on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was fantastic. The whole of New Zealand has got behind the cricket team and I think as AB de Villiers said post match, it was the most electric atmosphere.

"The whole World Cup has been fantastic. Brendon McCullum has turned this team around from four years ago. They have come out and played a brand of cricket that is being enjoyed all over the world.

"They have stayed under then radar a bit, had a good build-up but have come in and delivered. Players like McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor are just phenomenal. They are amazing to watch."

Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis:, external What a great game of cricket. SA did not lose that game. NZ won it. Well played NZ. And to the Proteas you can be proud of your campaign.

It all began just under 10 hours ago when South Africa walked out to bat after winning the toss. Trent Boult struck twice early on, but Faf du Plessis (82), Rilee Rossouw (39) and AB de Villiers (65 not out) took the Proteas to 216-3 from 38 overs when the rain came - which reduced the game to 43 overs per side.

David Miller then took the initiative with 49 from 18 balls to help SA post 281-5 - with New Zealand being set an adjusted target of 298 from 43 overs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Image source, Reuters

Middlesex women's captain and former Netherlands international Izzy Westbury:, external Watching AB and McCullum post-match interviews makes you realise how ruddy inarticulate most footba- ahem, other sportsmen are.

Kevin Pietersen
Ex-England batsman

On Twitter:, external "South Africa DID NOT CHOKE. They got beaten by a better team today. AB led the team wonderfully well. But, well done NZ. See you in Sydney."

Khalil Ismail: AB de Villiers: "We play to make a difference in our country back home." South Africans should be proud, words of a true leader.

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne:, external What a game of cricket in New Zealand. Please hold your heads high South Africa, you've done everyone proud as you gave it absolutely everything. Congratulations to the NZ team who were outstanding in their run chase. NZ held their nerve and are through to their first World Cup final.

Image source, AP

Earlier today, prompted by the TMS panel discussion during the rain break, we were asking you what rule changes you would like to see made to one-day international cricket.

On reflection, the rules of a game which produces a finish like we've just had... can't be THAT badly wrong, surely?

Nkain84: What a game of cricket, can only dream of England playing like that!

Andy Donley: 50 over cricket is so much better than Twenty20 for me. Tension like that wouldn't be created in a 40-over game.

Mark Pettman, trying to concentrate in the City: What a game. But three missed run-outs and a dropped catch will haunt South Africa for years.

Wayne, UAE: South Africa choosing to bat first knowing there were high probability risks of poor weather impacting the first innings resulting in reduced overs was a stupid decision.

Image source, AFP

More from NZ all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "Everyone in the team knows they have got a job to do. Although we've got through, we still have not achieved what we want to and that's win the World Cup.

"We've been trying to play with smiles on our faces and please the people of New Zealand. They have fallen in love with the team and hopefully we can go out on Sunday and put in a good performance.

"It's going to be the first time for a lot of us to play at the MCG, it's going to be the biggest event that we've ever played in. The crowd will not be like it's been here if Australia go through. Their crowd will be on us, but that's something we're looking forward to."

Image source, AFP

iKopite: Hard not to tear up (in the office. at work) seeing the reactions from Morkel, ABD & Steyn. Gave it their all.

Peter: Looks like Duminy knows Behardien's catching ability. The ball shot through his hands before JP arrived.

New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson on Sky Sports: "It's a dream come true. There have been a lot of teams trying very hard for New Zealand to try to get to the final and we're lucky enough to be the team to do it.

"Brendon (McCullum) is massive for us. He teed off and put us ahead of that run rate, and they struggled to come back after that. That's what he has been doing all tournament and he's very good at it. Even though he got 50, it would be nice for him if he gets a big score on Sunday. We could have lost a few wickets and fallen in a heap but to get 298 off 43 overs is a massive chase."

Rob Weaver: Great game, rain spoilt the game... Dropped catches... run out missed... SA did not choke just bad luck, well played SA!

Alan Compton: Not to be 'that guy' but who is England's McCullum? England's ABDV? Cook? Morgan? Big problem.

Elsewhere in the world of cricket, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra have switched over to Abu Dhabi where it's day three of the Champion County match between MCC and Yorkshire.

Listen to BBC Radio Leeds' commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

More from New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum: "All credit to South Africa, the way they have played has been a great advert for cricket and their country. They gave us one hell of a run.

"It's the greatest time of our lives as players. It's an incredible ride, the crowd has supported this team and the brand of cricket we have played. Hopefully they're dreaming like we are. It would be nice to win it. Both teams in the other semi-final are quality teams and we know if we play the way we can we have a chance."

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Even De Villiers took the mantle to bowl, and you could arguably say he was one of South Africa's best bowlers. To go for 21 off three overs, at a time when New Zealand needed boundaries - he gave it absolutely everything in this game."