ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 semi-final: How difficult is New Zealand’s chase against South Africa?

New Zealand had reduced South Africa to 21 for two in the eighth over and later 114 for three in the 27th over in the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at Eden Park, Auckland. Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers then took control, blazing their way to 216 for three in 38 overs before rain stopped play. They looked all set for another score in excess of 250. AB de Villiers-Faf du Plessis show bolsters South Africa to big score against New Zealand

It was scheduled to be a 43-over duel. Du Plessis fell second ball after play, but David Miller exploded into an 18-ball 49, leaving, for once, de Villiers stranded: his captain managed a mere four in a partnership of 55 in 24 balls. Live Cricket Score New Zealand vs South Africa ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Semi-Final 

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South Africa finished with 281 for five in 43 overs; a Duckworth-Lewis calculation meant New Zealand had to chase down 298. It will require a record chase as far as World Cup cricket knockout matches are concerned. New Zealand off to an explosive start against South Africa in semi-final 1

Highest successful chases in a World Cup knockout match

Four of the top five successful chases have taken place in the subcontinent. However, New Zealand can take some heart from the fact that the highest successful chase in a World Cup cricket knockout match outside the subcontinent has taken place at Eden Park — the same venue where today’s semi-final is being played. It was also the highest successful chase in a World Cup semi-final. Live Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa

Highest run rates in successful chases in World Cup knock out matches

Highest run rates in successful chases in World Cup semi-finals

New Zealand need to chase 298 in 43 overs, which demands for an asking rate of 6.93. Only South Africa has chased down a target at a faster rate, but they had chased a mere 134.