Grant Elliot Will Miss His Sister's Wedding For CWC Final

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The hero of the nation, also known as ‘The Hairy Javelin’, will miss his sister’s wedding when he heads to the Cricket World Cup final this weekend.

Grant Elliott, born and raised in Johannesburg, last night saw off the nation of his birth to book his adopted country a spot in Sunday's Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne. The team’s schedule means he’ll miss his sister’s wedding on Friday.

The 36-year-old, who moved to New Zealand in 2001, hit a six from the penultimate ball as the Black Caps chased down 298, setting a date with either Australia or India in the tournament showpiece.

Elliott combined with Daniel Vettori to grab the 12 runs needed from the final over, finishing unbeaten on 84 and adding the climactic chapter to a thrilling occasion.

Eight hours of cricket is always sure to produce several twists and turns but the match featured more drama than any reality show can manufacture.

The fortunes of both the Black Caps and the Proteas swung as readily as Trent Boult with a new ball, with the two teams taking turns at experiencing ascendancy, doubt and despair. As a result, the supporters squeezing into every stand spent more time on the edge of their seats than on their feet.

More than 40,000 packed into Eden Park as the city hosted its biggest sporting event since the Rugby World Cup final and, for much of the match, the atmosphere resembled that tense night in 2011.

Police say there were very few problems within the crowd that enjoyed the semifinal at Eden Park last night.

Auckland City Operational Commander for the ICC Cricket World Cup Inspector Peter Gibson said the capacity crowd was positive as the Black Caps claimed their place in the World Cup final.

"Fans of both countries played their part in creating a wonderful atmosphere," Mr Gibson said.

"Police would like to applaud the spectators for their positive behaviour during an exhilarating day at Eden Park."

There were 31 evictions from Eden Park last night and two people were arrested for disorderly behaviour.