Matt Henry reflects on Black Caps' brilliant bowling that strangled Proteas

Mitchell Santer's men pulled the reins on the undefeated Proteas in the first innings with consistent wickets, reducing them to 12/2 - then 77/5 - as they stuttered to 169/8. Henry was key, snatching two wickets and conceding just six runs in the final over.

Then Finn Allen's truly incredible 100 off just 33 balls launched New Zealand into Sunday's T20 World Cup final.

"I think the way to restrict that side to that total of 169 was a brilliant job," Henry told ESPN.

"I think we'd be taking that any day here at Kolkata and Eden Gardens, obviously it's tough when you've got a small side [boundaries] like that as well to protect. It can be really dangerous with the power-hitters they [South Africa] do possess. So I think the way we did a great job controlling that. Also, wresting some momentum into our batting innings, which is obviously really good as well."

It's been a World Cup to remember for Henry. Apart from taking nine wickets at 16.2, he alsoendured a whirlwind round trip back home to Christchurch to be there for the birth of his son.

"Pretty special to be able to get home for that," said the 34-year-old.

"Obviously, Holly's doing really well and Jack's really good as well and Annabelle's enjoying being a big sister so it's all good. So yeah, no, it was pretty special to be home for that.

"I was always going home but get back for the semi-final, so it's great to be here."

New Zealand will play in their second T20 World Cup final against either hosts India or England in Ahmedabad.