World Cup 2015 Semifinal New Zealand v/s South Africa: Sachin Tendulkar lauds Kiwis post thrilling win; consoles spirited South Africa

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated New Zealand on sealing their first ever World Cup final spot but also consoled South Africa for once again failing to cross the semi-final hurdle after losing to the Kiwis by four wickets in a nail-biting finish at Auckland on Tuesday.

Chasing a Duckworth-Lewis revised target of 298 in 43 overs, the Brendan McCullum-led side rode on an unbeaten 84 from Grant Elliott to reach their target with a ball to spare.

"Big Congratulations to New Zealand for making the ICC World Cup finals and playing amazing cricket... #CWC15. Its tough to see a side lose in a match like the semis. Well played South Africa," Tendulkar tweeted. Former Indian Test skipper Anil Kumble also tweeted his praise for Elliott.

Big Congratulations to New Zealand for making the ICC World Cup finals and playing amazing cricket... #CWC15 (2/2)

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 24, 2015

"Elliot is spot on, amazing support for the NZ team from the start of the WC. They deserved this win for the positive approach #CWC2015. "Bad luck SA. You can see how emotional they are and you feel for them. They wanted this desperately. They gave it all they had. #CWC2015," the spin great tweeted.

Its tough to see a side lose in a match like the semis. Well played South Africa. (1/2)

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 24, 2015

New Zealand will take on the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia in Sydney on Thursday.