Zaheer claims his second victim (Getty Images)

By PA Sport Staff

India skipper Sourav Ganguly hailed a "fantastic" display by his side as they skittled New Zealand for 146 and recovered from a potentially disastrous position early on to extend their winning World Cup run to seven matches.

Zaheer Khan grabbed four for 42 as the Kiwis collapsed after being put in by Ganguly on a good-looking pitch at Centurion.

However, India were in trouble at 21 for three, which could have been a lot worse had Rahul Dravid not been dropped by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum off Shane Bond on just one.

Dravid (53 not out) and Mohammed Kaif (68no) then shared an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 129 to steer India to victory.

"I thought we were splendid in the field, it was absolutely fantastic," said Ganguly.

"We lost a couple of early wickets but it was good to see someone turn up and win the game for you."

The Indian captain must now wait to see whether it will be Sri Lanka or New Zealand they face again in the semi-final, with the odds favouring the Sri Lankans who must beat Zimbabwe on Saturday to secure their place.

However, in spite of reaching the last four, Ganguly is not taking anything for granted.

"We have done very well so far but we have still got the important stage to come," he added on Sky Sports 3.

"We have come so far we don't want to give it away."

Disappointed New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming admitted his side had not performed adequately when given first use of the pitch.

"It was a poor performance batting wise. We were never in the game," he said.

"There was nothing in the pitch, if anything it should have favoured us bowling later in the day but 146 was not going to cut it."

Fleming said his side had been too inconsistent during the tournament and that was the main reason why they had not already booked their place in the last four.

Instead, they are now pinning their hopes on Zimbabwe beating Sri Lanka, the only other side who can qualify for the semis.

"We were either all or nothing on other days," added the Black Caps skipper.

"We are disappointed it has to come to that [a Zimbabwe victory] but good luck to Zimbabwe."