5 most thrilling games in World Cup history

#2 First Semi-final, 2015 World Cup

New Zealand v South Africa: Semi Final - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

This result was surely a heart-wrenching one for Proteas fans. And this was not the first time they lost at a crucial stage in the World Cup.

It was March 24, 2015, at Eden Park, Auckland. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Both the openers were sent back to the dressing room inside 8 overs with just 31 on the board.

From No. 3 onwards, the contributions were significant enough to take the total to 281-5 at the end of 43 overs. If it was not for the rain, there was certainly a 350+ total on the cards as AB de Villiers finished with an unbeaten 65 off just 45 balls.

When the Blackcaps came on to bat, the target was revised to 298 runs in 43 overs. Brendon McCullum went berserk and scored a 22-ball-fifty and more importantly, provided the momentum New Zealand required to pull off a steep chase like this one.

But once he was dismissed, unlike the South African innings, nobody in the top 4 really contributed significantly. At one point, they were reduced to 149 for 4. But then, Grant Elliott and Corey Anderson began to stitch together a partnership while keeping the required run rate under 9 at all times.

In the final over, 12 runs were required. The ball was with Dale Steyn who was certainly not having the best of days. The veteran Daniel Vettori was on strike. Steyn conceded just 2 runs in the first 2 balls, however, on the 3rd delivery, Vettori managed to squeeze out a yorker to send it to the third man fence.

With 6 needed off 3 balls, de Kock missed a run out as Elliott sneaked a bye and got on strike.

5 needed off 2. Elliott then managed to hit the next ball over long-on for a six and the Kiwis managed to make it to their first World cup final while completing the highest successful run-chase in a World Cup knockout game.