New Zealand stormed into the Champions Trophy final

JOHANNESBURG: Grant elliat braved a thumb injury with an impressive half century as New zealand stormed into the champion trophy final with a five wicket victory over Pakistan.

Elliat cracked unbeaten 75 to help his injury hit team achieve a 234 runs target with 13 balls to spare.

New zealand will now clash with defending champions Australia in the Final on Monday.

New zealand who have lost five of their six semifinals against Pakistan in Oneday inernationals, improved that record with superb all round perfomans in the day-night match.

Ian buttler grabbed a carier best 4-44 and spinor vetori finished with 3-43 to restrict Pakistan before Elliot completed the victory with a brave 103 balls knock, including 1 six and 5 fours.

From Pakistan side umar akmal (55runs) anf Muhammad Yousf (45 runs) only played well,
and in last wicket Muhammad Aamir (19 not out) , Saeed Ajmal (14 not out) also played well as a bowler.

vettori (41 runs and in bowling 3-43 ) was named man of the match for his allround perfomanse.

New zealand were the winners in 2000 in Nairobi .