Grant Elliott will have to miss an important family occasion this week, but he’s sure to be forgiven after producing one of the great moments in New Zealand cricket history.
The Black Cap’s six off the penultimate ball of a pulsating, seesawing encounter against South Africa at Eden Park carried New Zealand to a four-wicket win and a place in the World Cup final.
The team are due to fly out of Auckland on Wednesday bound for Melbourne, where they will meet either defending champions India or tournament co-hosts Australia for the title on Sunday.
“My sister has a wedding on Friday and unfortunately I’ll miss her wedding,” Elliott said.
“Can you put it in the press that I’m sorry? I saw her earlier. She was pretty happy for me. I’m going to have to give her a special gift.”
Elliott’s lofted shot over long-on off pace Dale Steyn means New Zealand will appear in a final for the first time after their seventh appearance in a semi-final.
South Africa, who came into the tournament having to bear the “chokers” tag because of past cup failures, have stumbled at the penultimate stage for the fourth time.
But Elliott read little into the Proteas’ latest demise other than it was “just a game of cricket”.
“There are things that happen, small moments in the game,” he said.
“You can’t look at the result all the time. You can’t be too result driven. There are a lot of processes that go towards it.”
Born in Johannesburg, the 36-year-old Elliott shifted to New Zealand in 2001.
He didn’t see any great irony that he had played a major part in putting out the country of his birth.
“When I emigrated to New Zealand, I wanted to become a New Zealander,” he said.
“I’ve made New Zealand my home and it’s great to repay the hospitality every one has shown me.
“I’m pretty stoked to have got New Zealand to final with the shot at the end.”
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