From the second India beat Australia in the second quarterfinal and ensured that they would face Pakistan in the semi-final at Mohali, the entire cricketing world was abuzz. Immediately the game gained a number of monikers – “the greatest match ever”, “the mother of all games”, “the final before the final”. There was intense discussion across social media as fans from both sides plotted on how to get tickets for the game and how to get to Mohali for the match. Face paint and body paint was prepared and war cries sounded out all over the internet.

New Zealand 221-8 (Ryder 83, Morkel 3-46) beat South Africa 172 (Kallis 45, Oram 4-39) by 49 runs.

On paper it looked to be the most mismatched of all four quarter finals. The best balanced side in the tournament, with what was unmistakeably the best bowling line up, against a team who had confident wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe but failed against Sri Lanka and Australia. Ross Taylor’s blazing century against Pakistan aside, there was little to suggest that this Black Caps side was poised to set the tournament alight.

The setting could not have been more suitable. A domestic final at Newlands, on a crisp Cape Town day, with no chance of weather interrupting play. A Friday before a public holiday to get the South African public in the mood. Interest in cricket high, thanks to the Cricket World Cup in the subcontinent. And for once, the Standard Bank Pro20 final looked to be contested by two teams who were genuinely the best overall performers in the tournament.

South African fans across the country experienced a mixed bag of emotions as the Proteas lost for the first time in their World Cup campaign as England clinched a six wicket victory.

Those who got up to catch the start of the action at 6am were treated to a superb spell of bowling by Robin Peterson as Andrew Struass, Kevin Pietersen and Ian bell all fell cheaply and England were in a spot of bother at 15 for three.