Twitter erupts with praise filled messages for Proteas, Kiwis post WC semi

The high voltage match between New Zealand and South Africa, which ended with Grant Elliott's winning six for Brendon McCullum's men, was undoubtedly the kind of game one would expect in a World Cup semifinal and it did earn a lot of tweets from fans and cricketers, both former and current, on the social networking site.

While others kindly praised South Africa for the brave fight they put, others were not so kind. Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle blankly tweeted that it was South Africa's own fault for losing the match as they 'blew it with their own strength' and that is 'fielding'.

South Africa could have won the match but a series of fielding errors handed second chances to New Zealand batsmen Corey Anderson and Elliott, who obliged with the winning six, News.com.au reported.

The picture of Elliott consoling Dale Steyn after hitting the winning six on the second last ball of the match in the South African pace spearhead's over was widely distributed on Twitter after the crunch semifinal.

The reaction on Twitter was amazing as cricketers came together to laud South Africa's brave show and praise New Zealand for reaching the World Cup finals.

South Africa great Jacques Kallis said in his tweet that what a great game of cricket it was, adding that AB de Villiers' men didn't lose that game; New Zealand won it and praised McCullum's team for it. And for the South African squad he added that they can be proud of their campaign.

Even South Africa-born former England batsman Kevin Pietersen tweeted that South Africa did not choke, but added that they got beaten by a better team. He insisted that De Villiers led South Africa wonderfully well, but congratulated New Zealand for their winning performance.

New Zealand's Ross Taylor in his excitement tweeted, 'Woohoo. Who's coming to Melbourne???', while Luke Ronchi posted what an amazing game of cricket it was and added that he is very happy.

Australian cricket team coach Darren Lehmann tweeted his congratulations to New Zealand and skipper McCullum for winning the game and also praised Elliott in his tweet, while Australia spin legend Shane Warne tweeted that what a wonderful game of cricket it was in New Zealand, asking South Africa to please hold their heads high as they had done everyone proud and gave it their absolute everything.

New Zealand would now face the winner of the World Cup semifinal between Australia and India in the tournament decider on March 29, the report added.