South Africa have handed New Zealand a target of 298 to win their World Cup semi-final in Auckland after posting 281-5 following a rain-affected innings.

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock opened the batting for the Proteas, but it was New Zealand who started off stronger on the field.

Trent Boult boosted his chances of ending the tournament as the highest wicket-taker by bowling Amla out for 10 in the third over.

The 25-year-old continued his dominance by dismissing De Kock (14) inside seven overs, leaving Faf du Plessis and Rilee Rossouw to lead the attack for South Africa.

The pair were able to do so as they reached a combined 83 runs before Rossouw fell for 39 after Martin Guptill caught at gully off the bowling of Corey Anderson.

Despite losing three wickets, Du Plessis was able to bring up his 15th one-day international half-century off 85 deliveries and AB de Villiers looked comfortable at the crease as he too reached 50 with a boundary before rain stopped play.

After the break, both sides were reduced to 43 overs and the momentum swung in New Zealand's direction as Anderson dismissed Du Plessis (82) in the second ball after he was caught down the leg side by Luke Ronchi.

With just four overs left to play, David Miller raced through his innings with six fours and two sixes since the restart and he came close to equalling the World Cup record for fastest 50 until he was taken out by Anderson after hitting 49 off 18.

De Villiers ended the innings unbeaten on 65 off 45 deliveries, while JP Duminy ended the reduced overs unscathed on eight.

New Zealand's target was adjusted by the D/L method as a result of the rain delay.