AUCKLAND // Given the precision timing with which Grant Elliott orchestrated a nerve-shredding run-chase for New Zealand against South Africa, it would be easy to think he is good at planning.
Not so. He is going to have to miss his sister’s wedding this weekend now. He has something else on instead.
The small matter of a cricket World Cup final, which is his adopted nation’s first. As a direct consequence, the agonising wait for his home country to sample the same will go on.
"My family is here and my sister has her wedding on Friday, so unfortunately I will miss that," Elliott said, after playing probably the most famous shot in the history of New Zealand cricket.
“Can you put that in the press to say ‘I’m sorry’? I saw her earlier and she was pretty happy for me. I’m going to have to give her a special gift.”
AB de Villiers, the defeated South Africa captain, said he and Dale Steyn, the bowler entrusted with trying to keep New Zealand to less than 10 (a tie would have been enough for them to advance) off the final over, had planned to bowl a length ball on the fifth delivery, to Elliott.
“We decided to go length, hoping he’ll play and miss it, and he played one of the shots of his life, probably the best,” De Villiers said.
He also denied the idea that it hurt more that New Zealand’s matchwinner had been born and raised in South Africa.
“We played against New Zealand today and he played a wonderful knock,” De Villiers said. “He is a sportsman, he gives his best for his team.”
Elliott was born in Johannesburg, learnt his cricket there, and only moved to New Zealand in adulthood.
However, he says he regards himself as a New Zealander. Noticeably, he is one of the most vocal singers during the anthem.
“When I emigrated to New Zealand I wanted to become a New Zealander and I have made this country my home,” he said.
“It is great to repay the hospitality everyone has shown right from when I arrived in New Zealand. I love the country.
“I left South Africa when I did, I went to school there, have some good friends there, but New Zealand is my home and I’m stoked to have got New Zealand to the final.”
Fans at Eden Park have been spoilt at this competition. Auckland’s largest stadium also played host to the low-scoring thriller between New Zealand and Australia in the group stage.
This one also induced collective palpitations among the 41,279 congregation, a stellar crowd for a work day near the start of the week. Absenteeism in Auckland must have been rife.
If they put in for a second sick day today, it would be understandable. Hospitals around these parts will probably have a surfeit of finger injuries to deal with, with nails have been bitten down beyond the quick.
Elliott’s poise in scoring his unbeaten 84 to secure the four-wicket win belied the fact he had been short on time at the crease so far in the competition.
He said his team were thrilled to win it for the crowd.
“The support has been overwhelming,” Elliott said.
“There has been a lot of talk about us only reaching the semi-final and not kicking on.
“Although this means a lot to the team, you could see the emotion in the stands. It means a lot to a lot of people.
“Hopefully we can repay the faith in the final as well.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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