AB de Villiers has opted to set New Zealand a target in the World Cup semi-final at Eden Park.

De Villiers said at the toss that the pitch at Eden Park is a good one to bat on. What also would have factored into De Villiers’s decision is the Proteas’ record. They win more matches when they bat first than they do when they bat second.

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum admitted that he also would have batted first had he won the toss. However, there is a bit of cloud cover in Auckland and McCullum hopes that New Zealand’s quick bowlers can use the conditions to good effect. There’s been a bit of rain in Auckland this morning, and the weather could become a factor later in this contest.

South Africa and New Zealand have made one change apiece. Vernon Philander has been passed fit, and will replace Kyle Abbott. The Kiwis have opted for fast-medium bowler Matt Henry in their lineup.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (c), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (wk), Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw, AB de Villiers (c), David Miller, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir