Black Caps and Proteas set for 'heck of a show' in Cricket World Cup semis
New Zealand coach says best four teams have made the semi-finals and that their match with South Africa in Auckland could be a classic
The four best one-day teams have made the semi-finals of the World Cup and New Zealand's clash with South Africa at Eden Park is going to be "one heck of a show", according to coach Mike Hesson.
Hesson's side advanced to their third successive semi-final, and seventh overall, with a 143-run victory over West Indies in Wellington on Saturday, courtesy of batsman Martin Guptill's record 237 not out.
South Africa were also impressive in their nine-wicket destruction of Sri Lanka last Wednesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground after they lost two matches in pool play.
I don't think there is any baggage for anyone. It's a one-off game and we're all here for the party. I'm sure we'll both turn up. Two sides playing good cricket and that's going to be a heck of a show
Australia play India in the other semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
"I think the best four teams are in the semi-finals and I don't think many people could disagree with that," Hesson told reporters in Wellington before they headed to Auckland to prepare for their showdown with the South Africans.
Neither side have made the World Cup final, with South Africa considered the great underachievers in the tournament, though Hesson dismissed suggestions that would resurrect any underlying psychological barriers for either side.
"I don't think there is any baggage for anyone. It's a one-off game and we're all here for the party," he said. "I'm sure we'll both turn up.
